NASA, Air Force Seek Next Generation Space Processor Program

April 11, 2013

David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730
david.steitz@nasa.gov

Kathy Barnstorff
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
757-864-9886
kathy.barnstorff@nasa.gov

Marie Vanover
Air Force Research Laboratory, Albuquerque, N.M.
505-846-6086
marie.vanover@kirtland.af.mil

RELEASE: 13-093

NASA, AIR FORCE SEEK NEXT GENERATION SPACE PROCESSOR PROGRAM

WASHINGTON -- NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in
Albuquerque, N.M., are requesting research and development proposals
to define the type of spacecraft computing needed for future
missions.

Through a broad agency announcement, the Air Force Next Generation
Space Processor Analysis Program is seeking two to four companies to
perform a yearlong evaluation of advanced space based applications
that would use spaceflight processors for the 2020-2030 time frame.

"Computer processors and applications aboard spacecraft will need to
transform dramatically to take advantage of computational leaps in
technology and new mission needs," said Michael Gazarik, associate
administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate at the
agency's headquarters in Washington. "NASA's Space Technology Program
is teaming with the Air Force to develop the next generation
spaceflight processor requirements and propose solutions to meet
future high performance space computing needs in the upcoming
decades."

Processor applications could include autonomous pinpoint landing with
hazard detection and avoidance during entry, descent and landing
during moon or Mars missions; real-time segmented mirror control for
large space-based telescopes; onboard real-time analysis of
multi-megapixel-level hyperspectral image data; autonomous onboard
situational analysis and real-time mission planning; and real-time
mode-based spacecraft-level fault protection.

The broad agency announcement will involve a competitive selection
process. The NASA and Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles
Directorate team plans to award a cost-reimbursement contract worth
about $2 million to be shared by the selected companies during a
period of one year.

Studies done in the first three months will determine and define the
required computing performance for these advanced applications and
compare their findings with the government's preliminary
requirements. Awardees then will have nine months to develop
spaceflight processing architecture solutions to a set of NASA and
Air Force requirements, based on progress and availability of funds.

Based on the results of the study effort, a chosen team may develop
the spaceflight processor during a follow-on effort. A contract award
of about $20 million during a period as long as four years could be
made based on availability of funds. The intent would be to develop a
spaceflight microprocessor capable of providing high-performance
space computing capabilities required for advanced space missions
through 2030.

To view the broad agency announcement, visit:

http://tinyurl.com/cd7fkjp

For information about the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space
Vehicles Directorate, visit:

http://www.kirtland.af.mil/afrl_vs/

NASA's Game Changing Development Program at the agency's Langley
Research Center in Hampton, Va., is managing this announcement. The
program is part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, which
is innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use in
future science and exploration missions. NASA's technology
investments provide cutting-edge solutions for our nation's future.
For information about NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech


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