NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is reaching out to the U.S. aerospace community for input on nearly 190 space technology shortfalls or needs for upcoming space exploration and science missions. The goal is to fine-tune the strategy for prioritizing investments in technology development.
Kurt Vogel, the associate administrator for space technology at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the importance of an open and collaborative approach to prioritize efforts and meet stakeholder needs effectively. This approach aims to maximize the impact of investments and ensure alignment with key objectives.
The space agency is specifically looking for feedback on critical technology gaps such as cryogenic fluid management, additive manufacturing, advanced propulsion, in-situ resource utilization, and thermal management systems. By gathering input from industry, academia, government, and other stakeholders through virtual meetings, NASA aims to create a finalized list of priority shortfalls.
This data will be used to assess current technology development initiatives and determine opportunities for new investments or adjustments within the portfolio. The deadline for providing insights is May 13. This feedback process is crucial for NASA to continue advancing technology for future space missions effectively.
NASA believes that by working together with the U.S. aerospace community, it can identify areas where it needs to invest more heavily in order to achieve its goals of exploring new frontiers in space.
Vogel said that “An open and collaborative approach will help us prioritize our efforts more effectively.” He added that “By working together with industry experts, academic researchers and government agencies we can create a final list of priority shortfalls that will drive our investment decisions forward.”
This process is critical as it will allow NASA to allocate its resources more efficiently towards addressing these critical gaps in space technology.
The goal of this effort is not only about advancing science but also ensuring that future space missions are safe and cost-effective.
“We want to make sure we have all the necessary tools in place before we launch any mission,” said Vogel.