NASAÂ has awarded contracts worth approximately $100 million combined to 133 proposals from at least 112 small businesses that aim to perform research and development work on technology platforms designed for use in future deep space missions.The agency said Thursday it selected the proposals under the second phase of the Small Business Innovation Research program.
Each Phase II contract awardee will receive up to $750,000 in funds to develop over a period of two years technologies that seek to support NASA’s space exploration goals in various areas.
Those areas include the development of metallic materials designed to develop structures for use in future missions in deep space, 3D light detection and ranging systems for aerial drones and a platform that will work to print medical-grade tools through the integration of a plastic recycling system, 3D printer and a dry-heat sterilization device.
Ames Research Center oversees the SBIR program for the NASA’s space technology mission directorate.
