Seeking An "Innovative Path" To Human Space Exploration

NASA has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals and industry input on heavy-lift system concepts and propulsion technology. The space agency is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration that strengthens its capability to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system. The information also may help lay the groundwork for humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the moon and Mars.

The total funding available under this announcement is approximately $8 million, while the maximum individual contract award is $625,000. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 29, 2010.

Submissions should include assessments of a variety of heavy-lift launch craft and in-space vehicle architectures using various propulsion combinations. The submissions also should explain how the architectures can be employed to meet mission objectives. Proposals should capture potential system architectures and identify technology gaps, including propellant tanks, main propulsion elements and rocket health management.

A variety of in-space architectural elements may be included, such as propellant depots, and space transfer stages and vehicles. The focus will be on developing affordable system concepts that may be used by multiple entities, such as the Department of Defense, commercial corporations and international space agencies.

FMI: http://nspires.nasaprs.com