Micro-Space recently submitted the following 10 NASA SBIR proposals. None are “naked concepts”, but all build on substantial Micro-Space development work, often using technology embedded in our production products.

A = Non Radiated Field Data Links for a MicroSat Launch Vehicle (S4.01-9927)

B = Line Cutter Couplings for NanoSat Cluster Launchers (S4.01-9182)

C = Automatic Solar and Celestial Navigation on the Moon and Mars (O4.03-9181)

D = Near Vacuum Gas Ionizer to aid in Lunar Dust Control (X5.02-9180)

E = Quadrature Interferometric Video Holography (A4.01-9179)

F = Mars Entry Long Range Atmospheric Temperature Profiling (S5.01-9178)

G = RF Link Interferometry to guide PAV Orbital Rendezvous (S5.04-9177)

H = Electromagnetic 6 DOF ADAC + Divert for Formations + Docking (S5.01-9176)

J = Integrated Environmental CO2 + H2O Control with MEA Solution (X2.02-9175)

K = All Temperature Paramagnetic Oxygen Sensor (X2.01-9174)

SBIR contracts do not eliminate the need for outside funding, but compliment it. Co-funding, from within NASA, the DOD, or outsiders, is essential for any SBIR effort to avoid a “dead end” and go on to produce useful products. Earlier co-funding is necessary for SBIR contract “enhancement” or “Fast Track” status. Since all such arrangements take time to develop and negotiate, the best efforts search for such support long before the SBIR funded work ends – optimally, before it even begins. This announcement is an invitation for discussions of such cooperative arrangements.

Micro-Space will address these proposals in more detail in this forum. The proposals fall roughly in to Five Pairs:

A+B focus on enabling technologies for small launch vehicles. They will complete the integration of our “Propulsion Modules” into First and Second Stage systems during enhanced Phase II work.

G+H focus on Rendezvous and Docking technologies, particularly for small PAV (Planetary Ascent Vehicles), like the planned Micro-Space “Lunar Sample Return” system, or NASA “Mars Sample Return”. Enhanced Phase II efforts would see both techniques demonstrated with orbital “CubeSats”.

C+D cover Lunar Surface technologies, some of which may be essential for even GLXP Rovers.

J+K specifically reflect our long duration, human Life Support work.

E+F focus on optical “gaging” technologies. E (Video Holography) is a laboratory technique , very useful in wind tunnels, while F would analyze the Mars atmosphere before Aerocapture or Entry.

As usual, for Micro-Space, Phase II efforts would produce working prototypes of all these systems.

Neither the likelihood of funding for some of these proposals, nor the positive independent NASA response to discussions of these topics eliminates the need for additional investment or funding, although it does ratchet down the dollar levels, and leverage the results.