NASA has launched this year's Phase I of their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The agency will be investing almost $51 million in 312 small businesses nationwide.
The SBIR and STTR programs have been encouraging small businesses in the United States to compete in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D). SBIR was inspired by the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to aid the innovation of small businesses.
STTR was established as a program under the Small Business Technology Transfer Act of 1992. Since then, the programs have helped these businesses move from small laboratory work to large commercialization.
Their mission is 'to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds' in efforts to build up America's economy. The first of three phases is sifting through hundreds of proposals until NASA chooses which ones will receive a $125,000 investment each.
Program Phases
In Phases 2 and 3, the businesses partner with a research institution to help transform basic science into commercialized innovations. In Phase II, research and development continue with funding based on their performance in Phase I, as well as scientific and technical merit.
Companies will also be planning the commercial potential of their project. By Phase III, efforts are towards commercialization and are no longer funded by the programs.
'NASA depends on America's small businesses for innovative technology development that helps us achieve our wide variety of missions,' said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. 'Whether we're landing Artemis astronauts on the Moon, sending rovers to Mars, or developing next-generation aircraft our small business partners play an important role.'
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Selected Small Businesses
Selected small businesses for Phase I include developments in robotic systems, communications, life support, manufacturing, and air vehicle technology. Just this week, NASA announced that they are building rocket boosters for their Artemis Moon missions.
There are also numerous efforts in space exploration towards missions to Mars, discovering new habitable planets, as well as private missions. One of the most prominent aspects of signs of life in space is the discovery and analysis of ice and water.
Among the chosen companies is Paragon Space Development Corporation in Tucson, Arizona to help with a water collection and purification system on the Moon. Their R/R&D will also focus on creating products from space materials, called in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).
Another notable company receiving an STTR award is Aegis Technology in Garden Grove, California for the development of low-cost lithium-ion batteries. Alongside Cornell University, creating batteries with longer lifespans has the potential for generating hybrid electricity or all-electric power.
'A Phase I award is just the first step in helping these small businesses bring their technologies and ideas to market," said NASA SBIR/STTR Program Executive Jenn Gustetic. 'We know these companies not only need funding but business guidance and industry expertise to help them develop better products and grow. Our program aims to help each of them in their journeys to commercialization.'
