NASA has released a SmallSat Technology Partnerships solicitation as an appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) umbrella NASA Research Announcement, entitled Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2019.
The Small Spacecraft Technology program within STMD enables mission capabilities that are more rapid, more transformative and more affordable than previously achievable. The Small Spacecraft Technology program seeks development projects and demonstration missions that are small, affordable, rapid, and transformative. All efforts will focus on small spacecraft capabilities that are relevant to NASA’s missions in science and exploration, including those with crosscutting applications to the needs of the broader small spacecraft community in industry, academia and other government agencies.
The goals of this appendix include collaboration with university teams that have experience in small spacecraft development and also extension of support to colleges and universities that have little or no previous involvement in this field. Colleges and universities with experience in small spacecraft development are encouraged to team with other college and universities to address these dual goals.
Only accredited U.S. universities are eligible to submit proposals. Teaming with a NASA center is required. See the solicitation for complete eligibility and teaming requirements.
An individual may be the principal investigator on only one proposal in response to this solicitation but may participate as a co-Investigator or other role on multiple proposals.
The solicitation exclusively seeks proposals that are responsive to one of three topics:
- Lunar Communications and Navigation Network
- SmallSat Propulsion for Lunar Missions
- Advanced Electrical Power Subsystem and Thermal Management Technology
NASA anticipates addressing other topics in future solicitation releases.
Awards are planned to start in late March 2020. NASA plans to make approximately five awards as a result of this solicitation, subject to the receipt of meritorious proposals. The actual number of awards will depend on the quality of the proposals received; NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this solicitation.
Mandatory Notices of Intent are due by Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, and must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES. All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES or through www.grants.gov by an authorized organizational representative and are due on or before Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Detailed submission instructions and due dates are provided in the solicitation.
Technical and programmatic comments and questions may be addressed by email to the Small Spacecraft Technology Program Executive Christopher Baker at HQ-STMD-SST-Partnerships@nasaprs.com. Acquisition questions may be addressed by email to the acquisition point of contact on this solicitation, Beatrice.M.Morales@nasa.gov. Responses to inquiries may be included in the frequently asked questions document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.
