Suggested Searches

2 min read

NextSTEP J: Opportunities to Stimulate Demand in Low Earth Orbit through Applied Research

Solicitation Number: NNH16ZCQ001K-LCDS

August 23, 2019 – Page Updated with New Proposal Due Date

June 7, 2019 – Synopsis issued | Announcement

July 3, 2019 Solicitation Released

NASA has released Appendix J, “Opportunities to Stimulate Demand in Low Earth Orbit through Applied Research,” under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 Broad Agency Announcement (NextSTEP-2 BAA). White papers, if submitted, were due no later than 12:00 PM EDT August 2, 2019.  Proposals are due no later than 5:00 PM EDT October 16, 2019.

The objectives of the appendix are not focused on a specific technology development or demonstration, but are to identify opportunities that could broadly foster the long-term growth of new and emerging markets for commercial activities in low earth orbit (LEO), particularly for human-rated commercial destinations in LEO.

NASA is soliciting applied research proposals that could broadly foster the long-term growth of new and emerging markets for commercial activities on human-rated commercial destinations in LEO, by overcoming cost, technical, and other barriers.  Specifically, NASA seeks proposals that focus on: 

  • Technical approaches, such as improvements in technology, materials, processes, methods, and techniques, to reduce any aspect that drives the transportation costs to and from LEO destinations;
  • Technical approaches that can increase demand for existing and potential LEO commercial markets;
  • Technical approaches that would broaden the base of industry/academia/government researchers seeking to utilize LEO capabilities fostering long-term market growth; and
  • Technical approaches to broaden the pipeline of researchers through synergies with feeder capabilities (e.g., drop-towers, parabolic flights, sounding rockets, suborbital flights, etc.).

———————————————————————————–
Monitor this page for additional details and updates about the BAA.

Learn more about NASA’s NextSTEP public-private partnership model that seeks to stimulate the commercial space industry and help the agency explore deep space for the benefit of all.