To: NATIONAL, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY EDITORS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)
"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:
http://tinyurl.com/7xk52wa
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:
http://go.usa.gov/RPS
For more information about NASA's Flight Opportunities Program, visit:
http://go.usa.gov/REv
SOURCE NASA
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