STMD

NASA's Space Tech Prize Bolsters Diversity, Inclusivity Champions

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
NASA Headquarters, STMD, Multimedia, Organization, Research, NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Environment

"We are proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional individuals and organizations leading the way in building an inclusive community in space technology for the benefit of humanity," said Denna Lambert, inclusive innovation team lead, Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Key Points: 
  • "We are proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional individuals and organizations leading the way in building an inclusive community in space technology for the benefit of humanity," said Denna Lambert, inclusive innovation team lead, Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
  • "Their dedication and success in engaging underrepresented groups will undoubtedly inspire others to join us in advancing the frontiers of space exploration and innovation."
  • To increase collaboration between NASA and its community partners, each winner will attend an in-person event at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
  • The Space Tech Catalyst Prize, funded by STMD, is part of a commitment to expand NASA's network of competitive proposers and enhance engagement approaches.

NASA Administrator Names New Head of Space Technology

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Philosophy, Research, Astronautics, Department of Defence, Multimedia, Knowledge, NASA Headquarters, Element, Government, Space architecture, Strategic planning, Vogel, Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA, STMD, DARPA, Engineering, Atmosphere, Communications satellite

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Kurt "Spuds" Vogel will serve as the new associate administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate ( STMD ) at the agency's headquarters in Washington, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Tuesday.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Kurt "Spuds" Vogel will serve as the new associate administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate ( STMD ) at the agency's headquarters in Washington, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Tuesday.
  • Dr. Prasun Desai has served as the acting associate administrator since and now will return to his previous role as deputy associate administrator for STMD.
  • "I am confident his leadership will help NASA continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible with space technologies and advancing American leadership in space."
  • Previously, Vogel was appointed as the director of space architectures within the Office of the Administrator at NASA Headquarters, a role he has served since July 19, 2021.

DARPA SELECTS ICON FOR LUNA-10 LUNAR ARCHITECTURE STUDY

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Luna 10, Woman, Research, Air force, GPS, DARPA, ICON, Moon, History, NASA, Texas Military Department, Internet, Johnson Space Center, SBIR, STMD, Defense, Software, Small Business Innovation Research, Architecture, 3D printing, Cryptocurrency, Communications satellite

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ICON, a leader in advanced construction technologies and large-scale 3D printing, announced today that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected the company to take part in the agency's 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) capability study. ICON is among a group of 14 performers that DARPA selected through a competitive solicitation process.

Key Points: 
  • ICON is among a group of 14 performers that DARPA selected through a competitive solicitation process.
  • ICON has been selected as part of the LunA-10 study to accelerate economic vibrancy on the Moon.
  • The seven-month study will aim to create a framework for interoperable commercial lunar architecture that will help to guide lunar research and investment over the next ten years.
  • "ICON is honored to be selected as part of the LunA-10 study to accelerate economic vibrancy on the Moon."

NASA's Psyche Spacecraft, Optical Comms Demo En Route to Asteroid

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 13, 2023
Health, Multimedia, NASA Launch Services Program, Kennedy Space Center, STMD, Deep Space Optical Communications, Calibration, NASA Deep Space Network, Space Communications and Navigation Program, Planet, Telemetry, SpaceX launch vehicles, JPL, Falcon Heavy, Solar System, Noetics, Science Mission Directorate, Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, Arizona State University, Spacecraft, Discovery Program, EDT, Marshall Space Flight Center, Asteroid, Science, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Radio, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, NASA, NASA Headquarters, Communications satellite, Online shopping, Psyche, Moon, California Institute of Technology, Mars

"Congratulations to the Psyche team on a successful launch, the first journey to a metal-rich asteroid," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Key Points: 
  • "Congratulations to the Psyche team on a successful launch, the first journey to a metal-rich asteroid," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
  • By August 2029, the spacecraft will begin to orbit the 173-mile-wide (279-kilometer-wide) asteroid – the only metal-class asteroid ever to be explored.
  • "Now the real fun begins as we race toward asteroid Psyche to unlock the secrets of how planets form and evolve."
  • While the transceiver is hosted by Psyche, the tech demo will not relay Psyche mission data.

NASA Selects Intuitive Machines Team to Develop Survive the Lunar Night Technology

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Darkness, Machine, Intuitive Machines, Lunar lander, RPS, Science Mission Directorate, Americium-241, Moon, Spacecraft, STMD, Tipping point, SSL (company), NASA, Artemis, Zeno, Longevity, Communications satellite, Mars

Intuitive Machines has been designated approximately $2.4 million of the award to assist Zeno Power in developing an interoperable americium-241 (Am-241) radioisotope Sterling generator that may be integrated into lunar landers to enable it to survive the lunar night cycle.

Key Points: 
  • Intuitive Machines has been designated approximately $2.4 million of the award to assist Zeno Power in developing an interoperable americium-241 (Am-241) radioisotope Sterling generator that may be integrated into lunar landers to enable it to survive the lunar night cycle.
  • The lunar night cycle refers to the period of darkness on the Moon that lasts approximately 14 Earth days.
  • “The ability to survive the lunar night is paramount to Intuitive Machines and the space exploration community,” said Trent Martin, Intuitive Machines Vice President of Space Systems.
  • The Zeno Power-led team’s goal is to develop flight-ready technology for a 2027 lunar surface demonstration.

NASA Announces Upcoming Retirement of Space Technology Head

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Constellation, Johnson Space Center, Marshall, Structure, NASA International Space Apps Challenge, Space Shuttle program, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, International Space Station, Marshall Space Flight Center, Multimedia, STMD, Silver Snoopy award, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Distinguished service medal, Leadership Medal, Retirement, NASA, NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, Life-support system, Government, International Space Station programme, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, Communications satellite

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- James L. Reuter, associate administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), announced Tuesday he will retire from NASA after 40 years of service.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- James L. Reuter, associate administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), announced Tuesday he will retire from NASA after 40 years of service.
  • Jim also established new initiatives to foster talent within academia and the agency's early-career workforce, all while increasing investment in technology development across the agency."
  • Before joining STMD, Reuter served in multiple leadership roles in the agency's human spaceflight programs and at Marshall Space Flight Center.
  • Reuter then took his expertise to NASA's Johnson Space Center, where he served as Environmental Control and Life Support System manager for the International Space Station from formation until the space station was permanently occupied.

NASA Selects 12 Companies to Collaborate on Key Technology Development

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
ACO, Johnson Space Center, Small business, Rover, Lockheed Martin, Goddard Space Flight Center, Psionics, Multimedia, STMD, Glenn Research Center, Wind, Langley Research Center, Tipping point, Boeing, NASA, Organization, Knowledge, Space Act Agreement, Communications satellite, Airline, Mars

Under unfunded Space Act Agreements, NASA will provide access to its unique facilities and technical expertise, allowing the agency to directly support continued development of promising technologies without the transfer of funds.

Key Points: 
  • Under unfunded Space Act Agreements, NASA will provide access to its unique facilities and technical expertise, allowing the agency to directly support continued development of promising technologies without the transfer of funds.
  • "These awards allow us to work with both small and large companies to advance some of the most crucial technologies for future exploration."
  • The period of performance will be negotiated for each agreement, with an expected duration of between 12 and 24 months.
  • For more information about NASA's space technology investments, visit:
    View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-selects-12-companies-to-co...

NASA Spinoffs Bolster Climate Resilience, Improve Medical Care, More

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Transfer, International Space Station, Hospital, Human, NP-hardness, Animal, Investment, Arm, Wind, Software, Technology transfer, International Space Station programme, Research, NASA, STMD, Coral, Multimedia, Doppler effect, Quality of life, Astronaut, 3D, Communications satellite, Renewable energy, Spin-off

But the benefits of going above and beyond can be found here on Earth through products and services born from NASA innovation.

Key Points: 
  • But the benefits of going above and beyond can be found here on Earth through products and services born from NASA innovation.
  • "From the heavens to hospitals around the world, NASA spinoffs are improving life for all of humanity," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
  • Readers also can check out Spinoffs of Tomorrow, a section that highlights 20 NASA technologies available for licensing and commercialization.
  • Those interested in licensing NASA technology are encouraged to begin their search by browsing the agency's patent portfolio.

NASA, DARPA Will Test Nuclear Engine for Future Mars Missions

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Safety, Moon, Temperature, STMD, Human, Saturn, Rover, Spacecraft, DRACO, DARPA, Partnership, Primary energy, DOE, Transport, NERVA, Saturn V, NASA, Science, Colonization of the Moon, Communication, Multimedia, Astronaut, Communications satellite, Lithium, Jet fuel, Mars

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced Tuesday a collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space, an enabling capability for NASA crewed missions to Mars.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced Tuesday a collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space, an enabling capability for NASA crewed missions to Mars.
  • "NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027.
  • "Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together."
  • The last nuclear thermal rocket engine tests conducted by the United States occurred more than 50 years ago under NASA's Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application and Rover projects.

ICON TO DEVELOP LUNAR SURFACE CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM WITH $57.2 MILLION NASA AWARD

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Software, ICON, Architecture, SBIR, Army of the United States, Multimedia, Construction, STMD, Johnson Space Center, Radiation, 3D, Artemis, Air force, Texas Military Department, Robotics, Small Business Innovation Research, Olympus, Department of Defence, Research, Planet, Jacobs, Woman, NASA, Communications satellite, 3D printing, Moon

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ICON, a leader in advanced construction technologies and large-scale 3D printing, announced today that it has received a contract awarded under Phase III of NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The nearly $60 million contract builds upon previous NASA and Department of Defense funding for ICON's Project Olympus to research and develop space-based construction systems to support planned exploration of the Moon and beyond. ICON's Olympus system is intended to be a multi-purpose construction system primarily using local Lunar and Martian resources as building materials to further the efforts of NASA as well as commercial organizations to establish a sustained lunar presence. 

Key Points: 
  • The nearly $60 million contract builds upon previous NASA and Department of Defense funding for ICON's Project Olympus to research and develop space-based construction systems to support planned exploration of the Moon and beyond.
  • ICON's Olympus system is intended to be a multi-purpose construction system primarily using local Lunar and Martian resources as building materials to further the efforts of NASA as well as commercial organizations to establish a sustained lunar presence.
  • ICON to develop lunar surface construction system with $57.2M NASA award targeting first construction on the Moon.
  • In support of NASA's Artemis program, ICON plans to bring its advanced hardware and software into space via a lunar gravity simulation flight.