NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology Plan - Request for Information (RFI)

NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology Plan - Request for Information (RFI) NASA/Ames Research Center (ARC) on behalf of the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) Program is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for inputs on the desired future states / mini design reference capabilities (called “Outcomes”) and the associated “Technology Gaps” that need to be closed to achieve those “Outcomes” that are listed in NASA STMD’s Small Spacecraft Technology Plan. An overview in presentation format of this plan along with the “Outcomes” and “Technology Gaps” can be download from the attachment: . Background NASA is pursuing rapid identification, development, and testing of capabilities that exploit agile spacecraft platforms and responsive launch capabilities to increase the pace of space exploration, scientific discovery, and the expansion of space commerce. These emerging capabilities have the potential to enable new mission architectures, enhance conventional missions, and promote development and deployment on faster timelines. This will, in turn, allow NASA to achieve its objectives at significantly lower programmatic risk and cost than traditional approaches. NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology Plan is largely focused on technology gaps for CubeSats and microsatellites that use standardized form factors, interchangeable commercial components, and can be batch produced. Small spacecraft and responsive launch capabilities are proving to be disruptive innovations for exploration, discovery, and commercial applications. As these innovations move up market to larger platforms, further technology and capability investment will be needed to meet upcoming mission needs while keeping overall costs low, mission cadence high, and retaining the agile aerospace approach that has fueled what has been termed the “smallsat revolution”. Requested Information Are there capabilities or technologies that are missing or have not been adequately considered in the Technology Plan (aka “Outcomes” and “Technology Gaps”) that could significantly contribute to the development of small spacecraft to enable science and exploration missions for NASA? Are the priorities in the Technology Plan appropriate for the goals stated? If not, which should have higher priority and why? Provide examples of known technologies or technologies/systems in development that could contribute to the elimination of the “Technology Gaps” or accomplishment of the stated “Outcomes”. Do not include any proprietary or sensitive information. NASA/ARC is seeking input statements from all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI), for the purposes of developing and implementing this Technology Plan. Response to this RFI is voluntary. Each individual or institution is requested to submit only one response. Submission must be in 12 point or larger font and not exceed 5 pages, with a page number provided on each page. Responses should include the name of the person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment. Comments containing references, studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely published should include copies or electronic links of the referenced materials. All responses shall be submitted electronically via email to [email protected] no later than November 13 at 5:00 PM PST. No business proprietary information, copyrighted information, or personally identifiable information should be submitted in response to this RFI. In accordance with FAR 15.202(3), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Federal Government to form a binding contract. Additionally, those submitting responses are solely responsible for all expenses associated with response preparation. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. Vendors having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation, literature, brochures, and references. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. ___ 10/16/2020 - This RFI has been updated to include responses to FAQs in attachment . ___ 11/10/2020 - This RFI has been updated to include responses to FAQs in attachment