National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Small Business Innovation Research & Technology Transfer 2009 Program Solicitations

Chapter 9.1.2

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9.1.2 EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) is developing a constellation of new capabilities and supporting technologies and conducting foundational research to enable sustained and affordable human and robotic exploration. In order to support this complex mission, program offices have been established at the NASA Centers to manage the development of the next generation of space vehicles and systems. The Constellation Program (CxP), which is developing and building the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares launch vehicles, is located at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). CxP also develops and builds the lunar lander, Earth departure stage, EVA, and lunar surface systems.

The Human Research Program (HRP), which performs research and technology development that addresses the highest risks to the human system in support of exploration, is also located at JSC. Advanced technologies will be developed for Orion, Ares, and other space vehicles and systems by the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) at the Langley Research Center (LaRC). These three major ESMD Programs will maximize the use of SBIR Phase 1 through 3 technology research projects to minimize technology development costs and expedite the activation of explorations systems as soon as possible.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/index.html


TOPIC X1 Avionics and Software
X1.01 Automation for Vehicle and Habitat Operations
X1.02 Reliable Software for Exploration Systems
X1.03 Radiation Hardened/Tolerant and Low Temperature Electronics and Processors
X1.04 Integrated System Health Management for Ground Operations

TOPIC X2 Environmental Control and Life Support
X2.01 Spacecraft Cabin Atmosphere Revitalization and Particulate Management
X2.02 Spacecraft Habitation Systems, Water Recovery and Waste Management
X2.03 Spacecraft Environmental Monitoring and Control
X2.04 Spacecraft Fire Protection
X2.05 Spacecraft Thermal Control Systems

TOPIC X3 Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization
X3.01 Oxygen Production from Lunar Regolith
X3.02 Lunar ISRU Development and Precursor Activities

TOPIC X4 Structures, Materials and Mechanisms
X4.01 Advanced Radiation Shielding Materials and Structures
X4.02 Expandable Structures
X4.03 Low Temperature Mechanisms

TOPIC X5 Advanced Composite Technology
X5.01 Composite Structures - Practical Monitoring and NDE for Composite Structures
X5.02 Composite Structures - Cryotanks
X5.03 Composite Structures - Manufacturing

TOPIC X6 Lunar Operations
X6.01 Robotic Systems for Human Exploration
X6.02 Surface System Dust Mitigation

TOPIC X7 Energy Generation and Storage
X7.01 Advanced Space Rated Batteries
X7.02 Surface Nuclear Power Systems
X7.03 Fuel Cells for Surface Systems

TOPIC X8 Cryogenic Systems
X8.01 Cryogenic Fluid Transfer and Handling
X8.02 Cryogenic Instrumentation for Ground and Flight Systems

TOPIC X9 Thermal Protection Systems
X9.01 Ablative Thermal Protection Systems
X9.02 Advanced Integrated Hypersonic Entry Systems

TOPIC X10 Cryogenic and Non-Toxic Storable Propellant Space Engines
X10.01 Cryogenic and Non-Toxic Storable Propellant Space Engines

TOPIC X11 Exploration Crew Health Capabilities
X11.01 Crew Exercise System
X11.02 EVA Suit Simulator

TOPIC X12 Behavioral Health and Performance
X12.01 Crew Autonomy Assessment for Exploration
X12.02 Behavioral Health Monitoring Tools

TOPIC X13 Space Human Factors and Food Systems
X13.01 Automated Tool for Human Factors Evaluations
X13.02 Situational Awareness for Multi-agent Operations
X13.03 Advanced Food Technologies

TOPIC X14 Space Radiation
X14.01 Active Charged Particle and Neutron Radiation Measurement Technologies
X14.02 Miniature Radiation Pulse Processing Electronics

TOPIC X15 Inflight Biological Sample Preservation and Analysis
X15.01 Alternative Methods for Ambient Preservation of Human Biological Samples during Spaceflight and Lunar Operations

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