Space Tourism … and Much More
WASHINGTON (NASA PR)– NASA has selected 21 space technology payloads for flights on commercial reusable launch vehicles, balloons, and a commercial parabolic aircraft.
This latest selection represents the sixth cycle of NASA’s continuing call for payloads through an announcement of opportunity. More than 100 technologies with test flights now have been facilitated through NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Flight Opportunities Program.
LAS CRUCES, NM (NMSA PR) — The New Mexico Spaceport Authority is excited to host a NASA Flight Opportunities Program launch conducted by UP Aerospace, Inc., at the Spaceport America Vertical Launch Complex on Friday, June 21. This will be the first sub-orbital NASA Flight Opportunities Program launch, and the 19th overall launch from Spaceport America.
The sub-orbital sounding rocket launch is part of the NASA Flight Opportunities Program, which is designed to provide suborbital payload launch opportunities for NASA and other government agencies, as well as for educational institutions and the private sector.
Continue reading ‘UP Aerospace to Launch Experiments at Spaceport America on June 21′
Some morning highlights of the first day of the Next-generation Suborbital Researchers Conference 2013 here in Broomfield, Colo.:
WASHINGTON (NASA PR) – For a second year, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is seeking proposals for suborbital technology payloads and spacecraft capability enhancements that could help revolutionize future space missions.
Selected technologies will travel to the edge of space and back on U.S. commercial suborbital vehicles and platforms, providing opportunities for testing before they are sent to work in the unforgiving environment of space.
Continue reading ‘NASA Seeks Innovative Suborbital Flight Technology Proposals’
First flight test completed on UAV.
PITTSBURGH, PA – APR 4, 2013 (Astrobotic PR) – Last week Astrobotic successfully flew a sensor package designed to guide spacecraft safely to the surface of asteroids, moons, planets, and beyond. The flight occurred on an unmanned helicopter operated by a pilot on the ground.
The flights are preparation for demonstration of this capability on a propulsive lander similar to Astrobotic’s Griffin. Astrobotic was selected by NASA for flight opportunities on a propulsive lander which culminate in a fully autonomous landing demonstration with hazard detection, trajectory planning, and closed-loop control.
Continue reading ‘Astrobotic Begins Series of Spacecraft Landing Tests’
Masten Space Systems’ Xombie technology demonstration rocket soars aloft, guided by Draper Lab’s GENIE navigation and control system designed to land space vehicles on other bodies in the solar system. (Credit: NASA /Tom Tschida)
MOJAVE, Calif. (NASA PR) – A rocket-powered, vertical-landing space-access technology demonstrator reached its highest altitude and furthest distance to date March 25 at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, Calif., using a developmental navigation system designed to land a space vehicle on other celestial bodies.
Continue reading ‘Masten’s Xombie Makes Highest, Longest Flight With GENIE Payload’
John W. Kelly
John W. Kelly, program manager for NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program, began a one-year executive internship at the Mojave Air and Space Port last week.
Kelly will be focusing on access to space initiatives as well as the research potential of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Kelly also will help to build a closer working relationship between the spaceport and the nearby NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, where he is employed.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) solicited proposals from state and local governments, eligible university and other public entities to develop six UAS research and test sites around the country.
Mojave spaceport officials are considering submitting a proposal for designation as an UAS research and test site. So, Kelly’s expertise would be valuable if the spaceport goes forward with a proposal.
Designation as one of the six UAS sites would bring new companies and many new jobs to the spaceport, which is located in California’s High Desert.
Opportunities for Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicles and Payload Integration Services for Maturing Crosscutting Technologies that Advance Multiple Future Space Mission to Flight Readiness Status
General Information
| Solicitation Number: | RFI-NND13466402L |
| Posted Date: | Feb 15, 2013 |
| FedBizOpps Posted Date: | Feb 15, 2013 |
| Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: | No |
| Original Response Date: | Mar 08, 2013 |
| Current Response Date: | Mar 08, 2013 |
| Classification Code: | A — Research and Development |
| NAICS Code: | 541712 |
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center, Code A, P.O. Box 273, Edwards, CA 93523-0273
Description
NASA/DFRC is hereby soliciting information and feedback from both current and potential flight service providers, as well as the technology payload providers and potential sources for Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicles And Payload Integration Services For Maturing Crosscutting Technologies That Advance Multiple Future Space Missions To Flight Readiness Status.
Continue reading ‘NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program Issues New RFI’
Near Space Corporation balloon launch. (Credit: NSC)
Tillamook, OR, January 24, 2013 (NSC PR): Near Space Corporation (NSC) launched its first balloon flight with the NASA Flight Opportunities Program on Sunday January 20th. NSC has completed more than 160 balloon flights since it began operating from Tillamook, Oregon in 1996. This was the first balloon launch with the NASA Flight Opportunities Program.
MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program has selected two new technologies to fly on commercial reusable suborbital vehicles. The flights will test the payloads’ functionality before full deployment on future missions. One technology will be tested on a suborbital reusable launch vehicle and the other will be tested on a high altitude balloon.
Continue reading ‘NASA Selects Two Technologies For Commercial Suborbital Tests’
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