[meteorite-list] NASA Issues Broad Agency Announcement For Heavy Lift Studies

[Ron Baalke]

June 29, 2010

Michael Braukus 
Headquarters, Washington 
202-358-1979 
michael.j.braukus at nasa.gov   


RELEASE: 10-147

NASA ISSUES BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR HEAVY LIFT STUDIES

WASHINGTON -- NASA has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) 
seeking proposals and industry input on heavy-lift system concepts 
and propulsion technology. 

NASA is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration that 
strengthens its capability to extend human and robotic presence 
throughout the solar system. The information also may help lay the 
groundwork for humans to safely reach multiple potential 
destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the moon and 
Mars. 

The total funding available under this announcement is approximately 
$8 million; maximum individual contract award is $625,000. The 
deadline for submitting proposals is July 29, 2010. 

Submissions should include assessments of a variety of heavy-lift 
launch craft and in-space vehicle architectures using various 
propulsion combinations. The submissions also should explain how the 
architectures can be employed to meet mission objectives. Proposals 
should capture potential system architectures and identify technology 
gaps, including propellant tanks, main propulsion elements and rocket 
health management. 

A variety of in-space architectural elements may be included, such as 
propellant depots, and space transfer stages and vehicles. The focus 
will be on developing affordable system concepts that may be used by 
multiple entities, such as the Department of Defense, commercial 
corporations and international space agencies. 

For more information about the BAA, visit: 

http://nspires.nasaprs.com 

For more information about NASA and exploration programs, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov   
	
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