Monday, July 24, 2023

NASA space capabilities agreement

WASHINGTON — A NASA procurement document provides details about the plans of several companies that received unfunded Space Act Agreements for commercial space capabilities in June, as well as those that didn't make the cut. 

NASA selected seven companies June 15 for its Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities-2 (CCSC-2) initiative. Those companies will have access to NASA expertise and data, but not funding, to support development of commercial space capabilities. 

Among the companies selected for CCSC-2 agreements were Blue Origin and SpaceX. 

A source selection statement released by NASA earlier in July confirm plans. 

Blue Origin proposed an “interrelated LEO space transportation capability that utilizes its reusable Space Vehicle (SV), New Glenn launch vehicle, and other supporting elements.” 

The document also confirms SpaceX is considering using Starship as a commercial space station. 

Beyond LEO, Starship could 'impact crew and cargo transportation and itself become a large Commercial LEO Destination,” the document stated. 

A third company, Sierra Space, also proposed a crewed spacecraft in the form of the DC-200 version of its Dream Chaser vehicle and a “Pathfinder” station using its inflatable module technology called LIFE.

The company was preparing to launch a standalone pathfinder version of LIFE as soon as the end of 2026 for commercial applications such as biotech research. (Space News 07/22/23) NASA offers details on commercial space capabilities agreements - SpaceNews

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