AEROSPACE
NASA’S INVESTMENT IN SPACE
NASA
NASA AWARDS $15 MILLION TO SMALL
BUSINESSES FOR COMPETITIVE RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
NASA has selected 20 research and
technology proposals -- valued at
$15 million -- from 19 American small
businesses. Each is partnering with
research institutions for Phase II of NASA’s
competitive Small Business Technology
Transfer (STTR) program.
STTR supports NASA’s future missions
into deep space and benefits the U.S.
economy. Selected proposals will support
the development of technologies in the
areas of aeronautics, science, human
exploration and operations, and space
technology. The awards are for small
companies partnering with research
institutions from across the country,
including New Jersey, Alabama, Indiana,
Illinois and California.
“Our STTR program focuses both
entrepreneurs and leading research
institutions on NASA’s long-term goals,
bringing the latest in aerospace research
to our programs,” said Jim Reuter, acting
associate administrator for the agency’s
Space Technology Mission Directorate
(STMD) in Washington. “We are excited to
see the results of these latest awardees.”
The awards cover a breadth of research
and development needs, including:
Distributed Electric Propulsion Aircraft
Comprehensive Analysis and Design Tool:
To help NASA test the next generation
of electric propulsion aircraft, for both
distributed electric propulsion aircraft
and future vertical lift aircraft. These
tools are designed to help NASA and
aircraft manufacturers achieve low carbon
emissions for aircraft through use of
electric/hybrid propulsion.
Autonomous Power Controller for Mission
Critical Microgrid Power Systems: To
build a centralized controller capable
of optimal power generation and load
scheduling, abnormal conditions and/or
failure detection, and system restoration,
while the local controllers monitor system
components and pass sensor data to the
centralized controller. This controller is
designed to be used in NASA’s Deep Space
Gateway and the International Space
Station.
Multiphase Modeling of Solid Rocket Motor
Internal Environment: To aid in the design
and optimization process of solid rocket
motors.
The tools will accurately model slag
accumulation and its impact on solid rocket
motor performance, efficiency and thrust
oscillation. The modeling tools will be
applicable to NASA, the U.S. Department of
Defense and industry rockets.
Proposals were selected according to their
technical merit and feasibility, in addition to
the experience, qualifications and facilities
of the submitting organization. Additional
criteria included effectiveness of the work
plan and commercial potential.
Only small businesses awarded Phase I
contracts are eligible to submit a proposal
for a Phase II funding agreement. Phase II is
focused on the development, demonstration
and delivery of the innovation. Phase II
projects are chosen as a result of competitive
evaluations and based on selection criteria
provided in the Solicitation. Phase II contracts
last for 24 months with a maximum funding
of $750,000.
Small businesses have created approximately
55% of all jobs in the United States since
the 1970s. The STTR program encourages
small businesses and research institutions
to develop innovative ideas that meet the
specific research and development needs
of the federal government. The program
is intended to stimulate technological
innovation in the private sector, increase the
commercial application of research results,
encourage participation of socially and
economically disadvantaged persons and
women-owned small businesses, and foster
technology transfer through cooperative
research and development between small
businesses and research institutions.
The STTR program is sponsored by STMD
and managed at NASA’s Ames Research
Center in California’s Silicon Valley. STMD
is responsible for developing the cross-
cutting, pioneering, new technologies
and capabilities needed by the agency to
achieve its current and future missions.
For more information about
NASA’s investment in space
technology, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech