NASA has allocated close to $1.5 million to various academic, non-profit, and business entities to support cutting-edge technology essential for the agency’s upcoming lunar return as part of the Artemis program and future Mars expeditions. A total of 21 organizations will undertake 24 projects under NASA’s Dual-Use Technology Development Cooperative Agreement Notices (CANs) with the goal of pioneering innovative solutions. These recipients will also receive guidance from propulsion, space transportation, and science experts at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
According to Daniel O’Neil, Manager of NASA Marshall’s Technology Development Dual-Use CAN Program, these cooperative agreement notices enable NASA to collaborate with US industry and academia to develop necessary technologies. The products resulting from these agreements will help address technology gaps and facilitate the development of components and systems for NASA’s Moon to Mars architecture. Projects include utilizing lunar regolith for construction on the Moon’s surface, using smartphone video guidance sensors to navigate robots on the International Space Station, exploring new battery materials, and improving neutrino particle detection capabilities.
NASA has recognized leading academic institutions such as the Florida Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and the University of Alabama as critical contributors to advancing space exploration technology. These institutions have secured funding for multiple projects showcasing their pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurial research and innovation while strengthening the commercial space sector.
The 2024 solicitation cycle is currently open for applications, inviting additional contributions from organizations committed to driving technological advancements crucial for the future of space exploration. The awardees will benefit from the expertise of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in areas such as propulsion, space transportation