Nasa’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is to partner with US companies involved in the development of space technologies that can advance the commercial space sector.

Under the announcement of collaborative opportunity (ACO) solicitation, the selected companies and Nasa will provide technical expertise and test facilities, as well as hardware and software to help mature technologies that can enable or enhance space systems and closely related subsystems.

The ACO will also see Nasa select companies to develop small launch vehicle technology, reliable electronics, and improved communications and in-space propulsion technology.

The space agency also plans to select projects collectively worth $10m.

“These partnerships will leverage Nasa’s unique engineering expertise and test facilities to increase US industry competitiveness in the space sector.”

Nasa Washington STMD associate administrator Steve Jurczyk said: “This ACO continues to build on STMD’s strategy to advance commercial space capabilities aligned with Nasa’s long-term strategic goals.

“These partnerships will leverage Nasa’s unique engineering expertise and test facilities to increase US industry competitiveness in the space sector.”

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The agency also noted that its investments in industry partnerships will help reduce the cost of development of technologies, and can increase the infusion of emerging commercial space system capabilities into space missions.

A deadline to submit mandatory preliminary proposals has been set by 15 March, while final proposals are to be submitted by 31 May.

Image: Nasa’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) additive manufactured injector was successfully hot fire tested by Vector Space System on 8 December 2016. Photo: courtesy of Vector Space System.