NASA Research Announcement In-Space Propulsion (ISP)

The In-Space Propulsion (ISP) Program of NASA’s Office of Space Science (OSS) is soliciting proposals in the ROSS 2002 for basic supporting research and technology investigations in multiple areas associated with advanced in-space propulsion. The ISP Program is responsible for the development of multiple technologies that support the following goals: enable new missions, reduce trip times, increase payload capabilities, and reduce costs associated with spacecraft propulsion systems and their operation. These goals apply to earth orbital, planetary, and deep space applications. As a general rule, the In-Space Propulsion Program develops technologies from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 through a TRL of 6. The intent of this NRA is not to provide flight hardware for specific missions, but to enhance propulsion technologies that may be used by NASA in the future. Research related to improving system performance, extended lifetime, developing critical technologies, and optimal operation are some of the activities that support this solicitation.

The complete solicitation can be found at:

http://research.hq.nasa.gov/code_s/nra/current/NRA-02-OSS-01/index.html

Proposals are due April 2002.

THE FUTURE

An amendment to the ROSS 2002 In-Space Propulsion Technologies solicitation is expected in the June 2002 timeframe and will include the following technical areas:

* Aerocapture

* Electric Propulsion

* Solar Sails

* Hall Thrusters

* Advanced Chemical Propulsion (Light Weight Components; Cryogenic Fluid Management)

* Momentum Exchange Electrodynamic Reboost (MXER) Tethers

* Plasma and Magnetic Sails

* Solar Thermal Propulsion

* Bimodal Propulsion