NASA is seeking proposals for small technology payloads that could fly
on future NASA-sponsored suborbital flights. These future flights will
travel to the edge of space and back, testing the innovative new
technologies before they're sent to work in the harsh environment of
space.
"NASA's Game Changing Development Program focuses on
maturing advanced space technologies that may lead to entirely new
approaches for the agency's future space missions while providing
solutions to significant national needs and adding to our nation’s
innovation economy," said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space
Technology Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This
solicitation offers an opportunity to develop potentially transformative
technologies that take advantage of our Flight Opportunities Program
platforms, which allow frequent and predictable commercial access to
near-space, with easy recovery of intact payloads."
NASA's
Game Changing Opportunities research announcement seeks proposals for
payloads, vehicle enhancements and onboard facilities for payload
integration that will help the agency advance technology development in
the areas of exploration, space operations and other innovative
technology areas relevant to NASA's missions. Sponsored by NASA's Space
Technology Program, the agency expects proposals from entrepreneurs,
scientists, technologists, instrument builders, research managers, and
vehicle builders and operators.
"This call for proposals is a
great opportunity to develop innovative technology development payloads
for flight on commercial suborbital, reusable vehicles which have novel
ideas and approaches have the potential to revolutionize future space
missions," said Stephen Gaddis, Game Changing Development program
manager at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
Special emphasis will be given to proposals that address basic and
applied research as well as development for advanced technologies and
the development of test articles and techniques for evaluating the
articles. Following development, selected payloads will be made
available to NASA's Flight Opportunities Program for pairing with
appropriate suborbital reusable launch service provider flights.
In August 2011, NASA selected seven U.S. companies that can provide
flight services and platforms to test innovative technology payloads
through the Flight Opportunities Program. Under this solicitation, the
selected Flight Opportunities suborbital reusable launch vehicles could
be modified to facilitate integration and payload engineering of future
payloads in support of specific research needs.
Proposals
will be accepted from U.S. or non-U.S. organizations including NASA
centers and other government agencies, federally funded research and
development centers, educational institutions, industry and nonprofit
organizations.
NASA expects to make approximately 20 awards
this summer, with the majority of awards ranging between approximately
$50,000 and $125,000 each. Several awards may be made for up to $500,000
in the area of vehicle integration and payload engineering technology
enhancements and onboard research facilities to improve platform
capabilities.
The Game Changing Opportunities in Technology
Development research announcement is available through the NASA
Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System
website at:
NASA's Langley Research Center manages the Game Changing Development
Program and NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif.,
manages the Flight Opportunities Program for the agency's Space
Technology Program.
For more information on the Game Changing Development activities and information on this solicitation for payloads, visit:
For more information about NASA's Flight Opportunities Program, visit:
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