NASA Seeks Game Changing Solar Array Systems Proposals

April 26, 2012

Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1761
sonja.r.alexander@nasa.gov


RELEASE: 12-132

NASA SEEKS GAME CHANGING SOLAR ARRAY SYSTEMS PROPOSALS

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Space Technology Program is seeking proposals to
develop solar array systems to enable space electric propulsion
systems of the future.

"NASA's Game Changing Development Program focuses on maturing advanced
space technologies that may lead to entirely new approaches for the
agency's future space missions," said Michael Gazarik, director of
NASA's Space Technology Program at the agency's Headquarters in
Washington. "This call for proposals will result in the development
of revolutionary space solar array systems that can be scaled for
future human exploration missions to destinations well beyond low
Earth orbit."

NASA's Space Technology program is seeking proposals for solar array
system structures from all potential U.S. organizations, including
NASA centers and other government agencies, federally funded research
and development centers, educational institutions, industry and
nonprofit organizations.

"This call for proposals is a great opportunity to mature advanced and
innovative solar array systems in preparation for a space
demonstration and eventual use on all future space spacecraft
requiring high power," said Stephen Gaddis, Game Changing Development
program manager at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.

The NASA solicitation will cover two acquisition phases and involve a
competitive selection process. During Phase I, proposers will design,
analyze and test a scalable solar array system capable of generating
more than 30kW of power. The Phase I teams also will identify the
most critical technological risks of extending their concept to 250
kW or greater power levels. The intent of Phase II is to prove flight
readiness through an in-space demonstration of an advanced, modular
and extendable solar array system. After Phase II, follow-on
applications will range from high power communications satellites to
solar electric propulsion systems.

NASA expects to make up to three awards for Phase I proposals, with
total combined costs of approximately $15 to $20 million, based on
availability of funds.

This solicitation is an appendix to NASA's Game Changing Opportunities
in Technology Development research announcement and can be found
through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and
Evaluation System website by going to "Solicitations" and then "Open
Solicitations" at:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com

NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., manages the Game
Changing Development Program and will oversee the technical aspects
of this technology development effort under Phase I. NASA's Glenn
Research Center in Cleveland will manage the awarded contracts for
the agency's Space Technology Program under both phases.

For more information on the Game Changing Development Program's
activities, visit:

http://go.usa.gov/mj2

For more information about NASA's Technology Demonstration Missions
Program, which will manage Phase II of this solicitation, visit:

http://go.usa.gov/mjT


-end-



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