By Staff Biddeford composite manufacturer FMI has been awarded a $24 million contract from NASA to provide thermal protection systems for three Mars mission programs. The company, a subsidiary of Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR), produces reinforced thermal protection composites for products that must endure high temperatures. The company employs about 240, and plans to recruit for another 60 jobs this year, though all the positions aren't related to the NASA work, according to a spokeswoman. The contract began last month and will continue to Jan. 19, 2026. The thermal protection systems manufactured by FMI will support several upcoming space missions, including Mars Sample Return Earth Entry Vehicle, MSR Sample Return Lander and Dragonfly. The projects require the materials for both ground testing and flight, a news release from FMI said.