Yushu Mao

Yushu Mao supports the procurement mission of NASA’s Johnson Space Center by managing complex acquisitions critical to human spaceflight systems and life sciences research. Their work centers on securing advanced engineering services, specialized aerospace components, and custom software solutions that enable crewed missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. They handle contract actions spanning research and development, systems integration, and mission-critical hardware procurement, ensuring alignment with NASA’s strategic goals in microgravity physiology, radiation biology, and spacecraft guidance systems. Their role requires deep technical literacy and close coordination with science and engineering teams to translate operational needs into compliant, high-integrity contracts. Mao maintains key relationships with specialized contractors including Sierra Space Corp, Aspera Biomedicines, Inc., and Single Crystal Diamond Inc., reflecting a focus on innovation-driven vendors capable of delivering cutting-edge space-rated technologies. Their contracting patterns favor partners with proven expertise in advanced materials, biomedical instrumentation, and spacecraft subsystems, often engaging firms with niche capabilities in microgravity-compatible systems and radiation-hardened electronics. Collaborations are characterized by early-stage engagement, technical risk mitigation, and performance-based acquisition strategies tailored to high-consequence mission environments. A consistent 40% of their portfolio is allocated to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a strong institutional commitment to socioeconomic diversity in space technology procurement. While the majority of awards remain open competition, Mao actively prioritizes small businesses with relevant technical certifications, fostering a supplier base capable of supporting NASA’s agile development cycles and mission-critical requirements. Their primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541330 (Engineering Services), with significant activity in 334519 (Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing) and 336413 (Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing). These categories reflect expertise in embedded flight software, sensor systems, life support instrumentation, and spacecraft subsystems—all essential to sustaining human presence in space.