Working on a lunar or planetary payload? Talk about it with Astrobotic at the Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference (NSRC) in Broomfield, CO from 2/27-3/1. Solicitations for NASA Flight Opportunities (a.k.a. “Tech Flights”) will be available soon. Partner with us and we’ll help get your tech to the Moon and beyond!
What are NASA Flight Opportunities?
NASA’s Flight Opportunities program funds commercial flights on rockets like ours to test and demonstrate promising space technologies. These suborbital flights help payload developers advance technology readiness and reduce risks on Earth before missions to space.
Astrobotic is continuing (formerly) Masten’s rocket testbed services, which have been an integral part of the Flight Opportunities program since its inception. Our 5th generation rocket-powered lander, Xodiac, can help you:
- Validate payload integration and operations
- Demonstrate controlled landings
- Simulate real-world surface interactions on the Moon and Mars (or other planetary bodies).
We’ve tested and matured a wide variety of space technologies through this program, including JPL’s Lander Vision System for the Mars 2020 mission, UCF’s Ejecta STORM laser instrument, and Honeybee’s PlanetVac sample acquisition vacuum that’s headed to the Moon in 2023.
How do I apply?
The 2023 solicitation has not yet been released. In previous years, a preliminary proposal has been required. This step has been mandatory to receive an invitation to submit a full proposal for your technology. NASA Tech Flights recommends familiarizing yourself with the resources on their website and encourages advanced planning for the 2023 competition. Check out NASA’s previous TechFlights solicitations to familiarize yourself with the requirements.
Joint proposals can be submitted with a Flight Opportunities partner like Astrobotic and we are ready to help you plan your proposal. Reach out to us directly if there’s interest!
How much funding will I receive if selected?
The program offers up to $750K for flight testing and development. This includes the design, development, and preparation of the payload for flight. It also includes post-flight analysis and reporting, travel in support of the flight, and other indirect costs.
Who’s eligible to apply?
The program is open to all U.S. private entities (for-profit & non-profit), Federally Funded Research & Development Centers, and U.S. universities.
What have been the key deadlines for past solicitations?
- Solicitation release: Late spring
- Preliminary Proposals Due: 30 days after solicitation release
- Preliminary Proposal Downselect Date: About 60 days after preliminary proposal submission
- Full Proposals Due: 45-60 days after downselect
- Selection Date: About 60 days after full proposal due date
- Award Date: About 60 days after selection
READY TO START PLANNING?
Get in touch with Sean Bedford or Richelle Weihe at hotfire@astrobotic.com to schedule a call or a meeting at NSRC and we’ll help with next steps!
About Astrobotic
Astrobotic is the Moon company and more. We develop advanced navigation, operation, power, testing, and computing systems for spacecraft. Our fleet of lunar landers and rovers deliver payloads to the Moon for companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals. To date, we have two fully funded lunar lander missions on the books, and more than 60 prior and ongoing NASA and commercial technology contracts worth upwards of $350 million. Astrobotic was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. www.astrobotic.com
