NASA Selects 128 Tech R&D Proposals for $96M SBIR Phase II Award

NASA has awarded multiple two-year contracts worth a combined $96 million to 128 proposals from U.S. small businesses that will conduct research and development projects in support of the agency’s future space missions.

Selected companies will perform R&D work under the second phase of NASA’s 2017 Small Business Innovation Research program, the agency said Thursday.

The agency picked Phase II contractors among Phase I awardees to continue to develop, demonstrate and deliver their proposed technology platforms with up to $750,000 in funds.

Proposals look to produce systems in the aeronautics, human space exploration and operations, science and space areas.

NASA chose Phase II projects based on technical merit, feasibility, work plan and commercial potential, as well as the contractors’ experience, qualifications and facilities.

Proposed platforms include neuromorphic computer chips designed to manage unmanned aircraft systems navigation; a solid-state oxygen concentrator and compressor intended to reduce hardware mass, volume and power footprint; and sensors and camera meant to aid near-Earth asteroid detection and tracking.

Phase III of the SBIR program will cover the commercialization of technologies, products and services developed under Phase I or Phase II contracts.

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