David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730
david.steitz@nasa.gov
RELEASE: 12-178
NASA SEEKS EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FROM U.S. UNIVERSITIES
WASHINGTON -- NASA is seeking proposals from accredited U.S.
universities focused on innovative, early-stage space technologies
that will improve shielding from space radiation, spacecraft thermal
management and optical systems.
Each of these technology areas requires dramatic improvements over
existing capabilities for future science and human exploration
missions. Early stage, or low technology readiness level (TRL)
concepts, could mature into tools that solve the hard challenges
facing future NASA missions. Researchers should propose unique,
disruptive or transformational space technologies that address the
specific topics described in this new solicitation.
"Both science and human deep space missions pose serious challenges
that require new, innovative technological solutions," said Space
Technology Program Director Michael Gazarik at NASA Headquarters in
Washington. "Radiation, thermal management and optical systems were
all identified in the National Research Council's report on NASA
Space Technology Roadmaps as priority research areas. This call seeks
new ideas in these areas."
Space radiation poses a known danger to the health of astronauts. NASA
is seeking proposals in the area of active radiation shielding (such
as "shields" of electromagnetic force fields surrounding a spacecraft
to block incoming radiation) or new, multifunction materials that are
superior to those that exist today are sought. NASA also is
interested in new technologies for active monitoring and read-out of
radiation levels astronauts receive during long space trips.
Current space technology for thermal management of fuels in space is
limited. NASA is seeking early-stage technologies to improve ways
spacecraft fuel tanks and in-space filling stations store cryogenic
(very low temperature) propellants, such as hydrogen, over long
periods of time and distances. NASA also is seeking novel, low-TRL
heat rejection technologies which operate reliably and efficiently
over a wide range of thermal conditions.
The next generation of lightweight mirrors and telescopes requires
advanced optical systems. NASA is seeking advancement of early-stage
active wavefront sensing and control system technologies that enable
deployable, large aperture space-based observatories; technologies
which enable cost-effective development of grazing-incidence optical
systems; and novel techniques to focus and detect X-ray photons and
other high-energy particles.
NASA expects to make approximately 10 awards this fall, based on the
merit of proposals received. The awards will be made for one year,
with an additional year of research possible. The typical annual
award value is expected to be approximately $250,000. Second year
funding will be contingent on the availability of appropriated funds
and technical progress. Only accredited U.S. universities may submit
proposals to this solicitation. Notices of intent are due by June 21,
2012, with proposals due July 12.
To view the Early Stage Innovation NASA Research Announcement and
information for submitting proposals, visit:
http://go.usa.gov/P31The solicitation is a part of NASA's Space Technology Program, managed
by the Office of the Chief Technologist. For more information about
the Space Technology Program and the crosscutting space technology
areas of interest to NASA, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/oct
