Photo: NASA SBIR/STTR.

[Via Satellite 09-02-2016] NASA has selected 21 research and technology proposals from American small businesses and research institutions for Phase 2 of the agency’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These selectees are permitted to enter negotiations for possible contract awards worth a combined total of approximately $15.8 million.

The winning proposals span a wide range of technologies, including space weather prediction, information technologies for intelligent and adaptive space robotics, and advanced propulsion system ground test and launch technology. One study will explore the use of a fuel grain as propellant for SmallSat launch technology. A second study involves a new generation of CubeSats that use 3-D printing to take advantage of in-situ resources, such as water for steam thrusters, while exploring space.

NASA’s STTR program uses a highly competitive, three-phase award system that provides collaborative opportunities between qualified small businesses to address specific technology gaps in NASA programs. Selected projects provide a foundation for future technology developments and are complementary to other NASA research investments. Expanding on Phase 1 projects, Phase 2 will last up to two years and receive contracts valued at up to $750,000 per award. Phase 3, the commercialization of a project, may occur after successful completion of Phase 2.