Mon, Mar 15, 2010
Proposal Deadline Is April 19
NASA has announced opportunities to test emerging technologies
during flights on an airplane that simulates the weightless
conditions of space. The technologies should have potential use in
future NASA projects, support future exploration systems, or
improve air and space vehicle capabilities.
NASA's Facilitated Access to the Space Environment for
Technology, or FAST, program helps emerging technologies mature
through testing in a reduced gravity environment. In order to
prepare technologies for space applications it is important to
demonstrate that they work in a zero-gravity environment. This
unique testing environment is provided by an aircraft flying
repeated parabolic, or bowl-shaped, flight paths that create brief
periods of zero gravity. The aircraft also can simulate reduced
gravity levels similar to those on the surface of the moon or
Mars.
Testing opportunities are being offered to U.S. federal, state
and local government entities. Private U.S. organizations,
including commercial firms, non-profits and academic institutions
also are eligible. Through a partnership agreement, NASA will
provide free flight time for the tests, while project teams will be
responsible for all other expenses.
Proposals are due by Monday, April 19, 2010. Technology
demonstration flights will occur in September 2010 from Ellington
Field in Houston. NASA expects to select approximately 15 to 20
projects for the test flights.
In September 2009, the FAST program provided reduced-gravity
testing opportunities for 19 technology projects conducted by
private businesses, government laboratories and universities.
NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program at NASA Headquarters in
Washington manages the FAST program. The Reduced Gravity Office at
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston provides test management for
the flights. NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is providing
technical and administrative assistance to the FAST program.
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