Current Response Date: Dec 12, 2014
Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships – Next Space Tech for Expl Partnerships NNH15ZCQ001K
NASA is seeking proposals for concept studies or technology development projects to support future deep space exploration. This BAA is intended to enable a robust exploration of public-private partnership opportunities with NASA. The Advanced Exploration Systems Division within the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate has identified three key long term potential capability areas that could benefit human space exploration and they are:
- Advanced Propulsion Systems – More specifically electric propulsion systems that demonstrate higher specific impulse, higher efficiency, and higher power for long duration deep space transportation systems
- Habitation Systems – Concepts and technology investigation for an initial habitation capability in cislunar space with extensibility for in-space transit habitation such as those being considered by NASA under its Exploration Augmentation Module(s) (EAM) or the capabilities that enable a potential use of commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) habitation capabilities coupled with government-provided exploration in-space habitation capabilities in cisunar space. Habitation capabilities that could be implemented in a modular way that could gradually built up the capabilities required for a deep space transit capability are of particular interest. This habitation capability (herein referred to as the EAM) will serve as the first foundational cornerstone of a future deep space transit capability and may include multiple elements over a phased build out as the architecture and a commercial and international partnership strategy is further refined. In this capacity, the EAM is expected to be used to augment planned cislunar missions as well as to provide the function of a proving ground for future systems in support of human exploration in deep space (beyond cislunar space). Reference Appendix B: Habitation Systems.
- Small Satellite Missions as secondary payloads on the first Space Launch System flight – Secondary payloads on Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) that address Strategic Knowledge Gaps (SKGs) for future human exploration and may additionally address commercial interests such as in-situ resource prospecting. Reference Appendix C: Strategic Knowledge Gap Small Satellites.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Nancy
Nancy P. Zeitlin
Technology Integration Manager
Office of the Chief Technologist and
Space Technology Mission Directorate Programs
NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center
Mailcode: AD-T
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Phone: (321) 867-2817
Fax: (321) 867-2050
Email: Nancy.P.Zeitlin@nasa.gov