NASA Holds Media Teleconference on New Public-Private Space Tech Partnerships

News provided by

Aug 06, 2018, 18:33 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will host a media teleconference at 3 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Aug. 8, to announce new public-private partnerships that will develop commercial space capabilities and benefit future NASA exploration missions.

The selected U.S. companies are developing 10 "tipping point" technologies. For this solicitation, a technology is considered at a "tipping point" if an investment in a ground or flight demonstration will result in significantly maturing the technology and improves the company's ability to bring it to market. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) must also be at four or greater at the time of proposal submission.

Selections are based on the agency's third competitive Tipping Point solicitation. The most recent solicitation targeted three Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) strategic technology focus areas, including: Expand Utilization of Space, Enable Efficient and Safe Transportation Into and Through Space, and Increase Access to Planetary Surfaces.

Jim Reuter, STMD's acting associate administrator, will participate in the media teleconference and will be available for questions following the announcement.

To participate in the briefing by phone, media must contact Gina Anderson at [email protected] or 202-358-1160 by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Media and the public also can listen to the audio live by visiting:

https://www.nasa.gov/live

STMD is responsible for developing the cross-cutting, pioneering technologies and capabilities needed to achieve NASA missions. Projects resulting from the Tipping Point solicitation will enable public-private partnerships managed by programs within STMD.

For more information about the Tipping Point solicitation, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/feature/opportunities-to-foster-commercial-space-technologies

For more information about the NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/about_us/index.html

SOURCE NASA