Hung D. Nguyen and Gynelle C. Steele

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Funding and Strategic Alignment Guidance for 

Infusing Small Business Innovation Research 

Technology Into NASA Programs Associated 

With the Human Exploration and 

Operations Mission Directorate

NASA/TM—2015-218855

September 2015
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Hung D. Nguyen and Gynelle C. Steele

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Funding and Strategic Alignment Guidance for 

Infusing Small Business Innovation Research 

Technology Into NASA Programs Associated 

With the Human Exploration and 

Operations Mission Directorate

NASA/TM—2015-218855

September 2015

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Glenn Research Center

Cleveland, Ohio 44135
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NASA/TM—2015-218855 iii

Contents

Abstract......................................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 1

Aligning SBIR Technologies Into HEOMD Operations and Programs ....................................................... 2

HEOMD Operations and Programs Summaries ........................................................................................... 4

Exploration Operations........................................................................................................................... 4

Space Operations.................................................................................................................................... 4

Fiscal Year 2015 Solicitation Topics and Subtopics Related to HEOMD.................................................... 5

SBIR Solicitation Process....................................................................................................................... 8

Fiscal Year 2015 ARMD SBIR Topic and Subtopic Summaries................................................................. 9

Topic H1 In-Situ Resource Utilization................................................................................................... 9

H1.01 Regolith ISRU for Mission Consumable Production............................................................ 9

Topic H2 Space Transportation.............................................................................................................. 9

H2.01 In-Space Chemical Propulsion.............................................................................................. 9

H2.02 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion ................................................................................................. 9

H2.03 High Power Electric Propulsion............................................................................................ 9

H2.04 Cryogenic Fluid Management for In-Space Transportation ................................................. 9

Topic H3 Life Support and Habitation Systems................................................................................... 10

H3.01 Environmental Monitoring for Spacecraft Cabins.............................................................. 10

H3.02 Bioregenerative Technologies for Life Support.................................................................. 10

Topic H4 Extra-Vehicle Activity and Crew Survival Systems Technology ........................................ 10

H4.01 Crew Survival Systems for Launch, Entry, Abort .............................................................. 10

H4.02 EVA Space Suit Pressure Garment Systems....................................................................... 10

H4.03 EVA Space Suit Power, Avionics, and Software Systems ................................................. 11

Topic H5 Lightweight Spacecraft Materials and Structures................................................................. 11

H5.01 Deployable Structures......................................................................................................... 11

H5.02 Extreme Temperature Structures......................................................................................... 11

H5.03 Multifunctional Materials and Structures............................................................................ 11

Topic H6 Autonomous and Robotic Systems....................................................................................... 12

H6.01 Mobility Subsystem, Manipulation Subsystem, and Human System Interaction ............... 12

Topic H7 Entry, Descent, and Landing Technologies.......................................................................... 12

H7.01 Ablative Thermal Protection Systems Technologies, Sensors, and NDE Methods............ 12

H7.02 Diagnostic Tools for High Velocity Testing and Analysis................................................. 12

Topic H8 High Efficiency Space Power Systems................................................................................ 13

H8.01 Space Nuclear Power Systems............................................................................................ 13

H8.02 Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers ........................................................................... 13

H8.03 Advanced Photovoltaic Systems......................................................................................... 13

Topic H9 Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) ................................................................. 13

H9.01 Long Range Optical Telecommunications.......................................................................... 13

H9.02 Intelligent Communication Systems................................................................................... 14

H9.03 Flight Dynamics and Navigation Technology .................................................................... 14

Topic H10 Ground Processing ............................................................................................................. 14

H10.01 Cryogenic Purge Gas Recovery and Reclamation ............................................................ 14

Topic H11 Radiation Protection........................................................................................................... 15

H11.01 Radiation Shielding Technologies .................................................................................... 15

Topic H12 Human Research and Health Maintenance ........................................................................ 15

H12.01 Measurements of Net Ocular Blood Flow ........................................................................ 15

H12.02 Unobtrusive Workload Measurement ............................................................................... 15
NASA/TM—2015-218855 iv

H12.03 Technology for Monitoring Muscle Protein Synthesis and Breakdown in 

Spaceflight......................................................................................................................... 15

Topic H13 Nondestructive Evaluation ................................................................................................. 16

H13.01 Advanced NDE Modeling and Analysis........................................................................... 16

Topic H14 International Space Station (ISS) Demonstration and Development of Improved 

Exploration Technologies and Increased ISS Utilization .............................................................. 16

H14.01 International Space Station (ISS) Utilization.................................................................... 16

H14.02 International Space Station (ISS) Demonstration of Improved Exploration 

Technologies..................................................................................................................... 16

H14.03 Recycling/Reclamation of 3–D Printer Plastic Including Transformation of 

Launch Package Solutions into 3–D Printed Parts............................................................ 16

H14.04 Optical Components, Sensors, and Systems for ISS Utilization....................................... 17

References................................................................................................................................................... 17
NASA/TM—2015-218855 1

Funding and Strategic Alignment Guidance for Infusing Small 

Business Innovation Research Technology Into NASA 

Programs Associated With the Human Exploration 

and Operations Mission Directorate

Hung D. Nguyen and Gynelle C. Steele

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Glenn Research Center

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

Abstract

This report is intended to help NASA program and project managers incorporate Small Business 

Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) technologies that have gone 

through Phase II of the SBIR program into NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission 

Directorate (HEOMD) programs. Other Government and commercial project managers can also find this 

information useful.

Introduction

Incorporating Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)-developed technology into NASA 

programs is important, especially given the Agency’s limited resources for technology development. The 

SBIR program’s original intention was for technologies that completed Phase II to be ready for 

integration into NASA programs, however, in many cases there is a gap between Technology Readiness 

Levels (TRLs) 5 and 6 that needs to be closed.

After Phase II projects are completed, the technology is evaluated against various parameters and a

TRL rating is assigned. Most programs tend to adopt more mature technologies—at least TRL 6 to reduce 

the risk to the mission rather than adopt TRLs between 3 and 5 because those technologies perceived as 

too risky. The gap between TRLs 5 and 6 is often called the “Valley of Death” (Fig. 1) and historically it 

has been difficult to close because of a lack of funding support from programs. Several papers already 

have suggested remedies on how to close the gaps (Refs. 1 to 4).

To address the TRL gap, NASA’s SBIR program has made a considerable effort to strengthen the 

critical connection between SBIR and NASA programs through post-Phase II initiatives. As a result 

NASA SBIR now supports its small business partners with three post-Phase II options that focus on 

creating opportunities for technology infusion and commercialization. The Phase II Enhancement (Phase 

II-E), Phase II Expanded (Phase II-X), and the Commercialization Readiness Program (CRP) options 

provide opportunities for Phase II technologies to be integrated and tested in the NASA system platform 

or in the space environment.
NASA/TM—2015-218855 2

Aligning SBIR Technologies Into HEOMD Operations and Programs

This section discusses how NASA program managers can incorporate SBIR technologies into Human 

Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) programs by showing where there is relevant 

alignment. This information also will be helpful for other Government agencies or commercial entities

that pursue related fields.

HEOMD research focuses on leadership and management of space operations related to human 

exploration in and beyond low Earth orbit. HEOMD is structured into the following two operations:

(1) Exploration: Manages commercial space transportation, exploration systems development, human 

space flight capabilities, advanced exploration systems, and space life sciences research and

applications.

(2) Space: Supports space and ground infrastructure, capabilities that enable rocket propulsion testing; 

ensure safe, reliable, and affordable access to space; and maintain secure and dependable 

communications between ground stations and platforms across the solar system.

Figure 2 shows the HEOMD structure of Exploration and Space Operations that focus on enhanced 

research and technological capabilities to travel beyond low Earth orbit. Table 1 shows NASA’s funding

request from fiscal years (FYs) 2015 to 2019 for HEOMD programs.
NASA/TM—2015-218855 3

TABLE 1.—FISCAL YEAR (FY) BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARIES FOR 

HEOMD PROGRAMS (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) (REF. 5)

Program Actual Projected 

FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019

Exploration Operations

Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle 1,052 1,096 1,119 1,122 1,126

Space Launch System 1,380 1,356 1,353 1,418 1,526

Exploration Ground Systems 351 410 432 441 453

Commercial Crew 848 872 791 730 172

Human Research 160 167 173 178 178

Advanced Exploration Systems 182 176 178 216 216

Space Operations

ISS Systems Operations and Maintenance 1,207 1,211 1,337 1,347 1,347

ISS Research 312 312 312 312 312

ISS Crew and Cargo Transportation 1,530 1,602 1,617 1,630 2,159

21st Century Space Launch Complex 25 11 11 11 ---

Space Communications and Navigation 591 553 553 534 534

Human Space Flight Support 108 112 112 112 112

Launch Service 83 89 89 89 89

Rocket Propulsion Test 45 47 47 47 47
NASA/TM—2015-218855 4

HEOMD Operations and Programs Summaries

Figure 3 shows each HEOMD operation and its associated programs.

Exploration Operations

• Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Program: Develops the vehicle that will carry the crew to 

orbit, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew while in space, and provide safe 

reentry from deep space return speeds.

• Space Launch System (SLS) Program: Develops the heavy lift vehicle that will launch the crew 

vehicle, other modules, and cargo for deep space missions.

• Exploration Ground Systems Program: Develop the necessary launch site infrastructure to 

prepare, assemble, test, launch, and recover the SLS and Orion flight systems.

• Commercial Crew Program: Focuses on how to partner with the U.S. private sector to develop 

and operate safe, reliable, and affordable crew transportation to low Earth orbit. During the 

development phase of their crew transportation systems, NASA provides technical and financial 

assistance to industry partners.

• Human Research Program: Researches the effects of space flight on humans and develops 

countermeasures to lessen the effects of the hostile space environment on human health and 

performance. HRP utilizes ground research facilities, the ISS, and analog environments to

research issues and develop countermeasures for future missions to deep space destinations, 

including Mars.

• Advanced Exploration Systems Program: Develops exploration technologies applicable to 

multiple missions and destinations to reduce risk, lower lifecycle cost, and validate operational 

concepts for future human missions to deep space. Several of these technologies are applicable to 

NASA’s planned Asteroid Redirect Mission.

Space Operations

• ISS System Operations and Maintenance Program: Ensures that the Station is operational and 

available to perform its research mission at all times. A critical component of the Systems 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 5

Operations and Maintenance is immediate, emergency services and analyses conducted by

mission control teams on Earth.

• ISS Research Program: Provides an unparalleled capability for space-based research and a unique 

venue for developing technologies for future human space exploration. Enables scientific 

investigation of physical processes in an environment very different from that of Earth.

• ISS Crew and Cargo Transportation Program: Provides cargo delivery to ISS under the 

Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts with Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) and 

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). The FY 2015 budget supports these contracted flights, 

as well as future flights to provide for cargo transportation, including National Laboratory 

research payloads.

• 21st Century Space Launch Complex Program: Assures reliable access to space by providing 

leadership, expertise, and cost-effective expendable launch vehicle services for NASA missions. 

Focus on Modernizes and transforms the Florida launch and range complex into a more robust 

launch capability at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) that can support multiple users. 

• Space Communications and Navigation Program: Provides mission-critical communications and 

navigation services required by all NASA space missions. SCaN retrieves science and spacecraft 

health data, uploads commands, and sends data to individual mission control centers. Navigation 

services accurately determine where a satellite is and where it is going to enable plans for course 

changes, interpret science data, and position the spacecraft for communication opportunities.

• Human Space Flight Support Program: Supports the training, readiness, and health of the 

crewmembers prior to, during, and after a spaceflight mission. Prepares the human system for 

living and working in the hostile space environment extended periods.

• Launch Service Program: Acts as a broker, matching spacecraft with launch vehicles through 

competitive processes with commercial providers. Acquires and manages launch services, and 

ensures that pricing is consistent and fair. Certifies the readiness of new commercial launch 

vehicles for NASA and other civil sector agencies’ high value spacecraft. Conducts engineering 

analyses and other technical tasks that maximize launch success for every NASA robotic payload.

• Rocket Propulsion Test Program: Maintains and manages a wide range of facilities capable of 

ground testing rocket engines and components under controlled conditions. Retains a skilled 

workforce, capable of performing tests on all modern day rockets including supporting complex 

rocket engine developments. Evaluates customer test requirements and desired outcomes, 

minimizing test time and costs. Manages facility usage and eliminates redundant capability by 

closing, consolidating, modernizing, and streamlining NASA's rocket test facilities. 

Fiscal Year 2015 Solicitation Topics and Subtopics Related to HEOMD

The annual NASA-wide SBIR solicitation contains several topics and subtopics that are developed to 

strategically align with HEOMD programs, thereby supporting the directorate’s current needs and 

objectives. To help the small business principal investigators (PIs) and HEOMD program managers, it is 

important to understand how the SBIR topics and subtopics are mapped to HEOMD programs. Figure 4

shows the FY 2015 solicitation topics and subtopics for HEOMD programs and Figure 5 maps the 

FY 2015 solicitation subtopics to HEOMD programs.
NASA/TM—2015-218855 6
NASA/TM—2015-218855 7
NASA/TM—2015-218855 8

SBIR Solicitation Process

Understanding how the SBIR solicitation process works should help small businesses and HEOMD 

project managers form partnerships to incorporate SBIR technologies into NASA programs and projects. 

For example, when HEOMD program managers identify specific SBIR subtopics that are likely to 

generate technologies that could apply to their programs or projects, the SBIR office would provide 

information about previously developed technologies that could be incorporated into their work. Small 

business PIs would also benefit from understanding NASA program and project needs, thus increasing the 

likelihood that the technologies they developed will be infused into HEOMD projects. FY 2015 

solicitations are posted at http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/solicitations.
NASA/TM—2015-218855 9

Fiscal Year 2015 ARMD SBIR Topic and Subtopic Summaries

Topics and subtopics for all directorates are listed in Chapter 9 of the FY 2015 SBIR solicitation. 

Topics and subtopics related to the HEOMD directorate follow.

Topic H1 In-Situ Resource Utilization

H1.01 Regolith ISRU for Mission Consumable Production

Involves collecting and converting local resources into products that can reduce mission mass, cost, 

and/or risk of human exploration. The primary destinations of interest for human exploration, the Moon, 

Mars and it’s moons, and Near Earth Asteroids, all contain regolith/soil that contain resources that can be 

harvested into products. The resources of primary interest are water and other components that can be 

released from the regolith/soil by heating, and oxygen found in the minerals to make consumables for life 

support, power, and propulsion system applications. 

Topic H2 Space Transportation

H2.01 In-Space Chemical Propulsion

Examines a range of key technology options associated with space engines that use methane as the 

propellant. Key operational and performance parameters include - Reaction control thruster development 

in the 5 to 100 lbf thrust class with a target vacuum specific impulse of 325-sec. The reaction control 

engines would operate cryogenic liquid-liquid for applications requiring integration with main engine 

propellants. 

H2.02 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Examines a range of modern technologies associated with NTP using solid core nuclear fission 

reactors and technologies needed to ground test the engine system and components. The engines are pump 

fed ~15,000 to 35,000 lbf with a specific impulse goal of 900 sec (using hydrogen), and are used 

individually or in clusters for the spacecraft’s primary propulsion system. The NTP can have multiple 

start-ups (>4) with cumulative run time >100 min in a single mission, which can last a few years.

H2.03 High Power Electric Propulsion

Develops innovative technologies that can lead to high-power (100-kW to MW-class) electric 

propulsion systems. Advanced concepts for high power plasma thruster systems that provide quantifiable 

benefits over state of the art high power electric propulsion systems. Electric propulsion systems and 

components that enable the use of alternative space storable propellants, such as condensable or metal 

propellants and potential in-situ resource derived propellants.

H2.04 Cryogenic Fluid Management for In-Space Transportation

Focuses on to cryogenic propellant (such as hydrogen, oxygen, and methane) storage, transfer, and 

instrumentation to support NASA’s exploration goals. Cryogenic pressure transducers (0 to 50 psia 

typical range, 1 percent full scale accuracy, 0.5 Hz response) at 20 K. Low power (<15 W goal) video 

camera systems for viewing fluid dynamics within a propellant tank (3 to 5 m diameter). Lightweight, 

multifunctional cryogenic insulation systems (including attachment methods) that can survive exposure to 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 10

the free stream during the launch/ascent environment in addition to high performance (less than 0.5 W/m2

with a warm boundary of 220 K) on orbit or <5 W/m2 on Mars surface.

Topic H3 Life Support and Habitation Systems

H3.01 Environmental Monitoring for Spacecraft Cabins

Focuses on measurement of inorganic species in water, particulate monitor for air, and microbial 

monitor. Monitoring capability is of interest for identification and quantification of inorganic species in 

potable water, thermal control system cooling water, and human wastewater. Real-time measurement 

instruments must be compact and low power, without volatile working fluids, intuitive for crew to 

operate, requiring minimal maintenance, and able to maintain calibration for years. A large measurement 

range is necessary in low gravity due to the absence of gravitational settling, and it is expected that more 

than one instrument, or a multisensor unit, will be required to cover the desired range from nanometer 

(ultrafine) to 50 μm in diameter).

H3.02 Bioregenerative Technologies for Life Support

Focuses on food production and related food safety technologies for ISS, transit missions, and 

eventual surface missions (fractional gravity). Of special interest is the use of photosynthetic organisms 

such as plants to produce food, and contribute to cabin O2 production and CO2 removal. Food production 

technologies should address how light use efficiency will be improved to reduce energy costs, including 

advanced electric and solar lighting concepts. Focus on efficient biological or biochemical approaches to 

assist in purifying and recycling wastewater in confined spaces such as crewed spacecraft or space 

habitats. Of special interest are biological approaches and bioreactors for removing carbon, nitrogen and 

phosphorus, and reduction of biosolids.

Topic H4 Extra-Vehicle Activity and Crew Survival Systems Technology

H4.01 Crew Survival Systems for Launch, Entry, Abort

Support the launch, entry, and abort (LEA) crew survival equipment needs for future human 

exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Primary goals include development of technologies enhancing crew 

survival in the launch, entry, and abort phases of flight as well as the post-landing environment, 

significant mass reduction of hardware, and development of space-qualified survival hardware 

technologies designed to operate after exposure to space vacuum and thermal effects. LEA crew survival 

equipment development is a critical need tied to any future manned Design Reference Mission (DRM) 

laid out by the agency, as well as providing benefit to both Orion/MPCV and Commercial Crew Program 

engineering efforts.

H4.02 EVA Space Suit Pressure Garment Systems

Focused on providing enabling technologies for long-duration missions inclusive of extensive extravehicular activity (EVA). To that end, priority technologies address mass reductions, durability and 

reliability. Mass reduction for exploration pressure garments is driven, in addition to launch mass 

considerations, by the human factor of on-back weight for a planetary walking suit configuration 

following a long-duration micro-gravity transit, which may reduce astronaut load bearing capability. 

Driving reference missions such as a 1.5-year Mars surface stay include on the order of 700 hr of EVA. 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 11

Therefore, long-duration exploration missions require, in some cases orders of magnitude, increases in 

suit durability or new approaches to providing long duration mission EVA capability or logistics.

H4.03 EVA Space Suit Power, Avionics, and Software Systems

Seek flight rated electronic devices needed to complement the existing inventory of flight rated parts 

so as to enable the creation of an advanced avionics suite for spacesuits. The suit and its corresponding 

avionics should be capable of being stowed inside a spacecraft outside the low Earth orbit (LEO) 

environment for periods of up to 5 years (TBR). Devices should also be capable of supporting EVA 

sorties of at least 8 hr and total lifetime operational durations of at least 2300 hr (TBR) for a Mars surface 

mission. Devices should be immune to single event latch-up (SEL) for particles with Linear Energy 

Transfer (LET) values of at least 75 Mev-cm2

/mg. and maintain full functionality for total ionizing doses 

of at least 20 Krad (Si). Criticality 1 devices (life support) must be fully mitigated against single event 

errors (SEE) for all potential mission radiation environments, including solar flares. Lower criticality 

devices can be less tolerant of SEEs, but must still operate with acceptable error rates in all potential 

radiation environments. Power consumption should be no more than 2X similar COTS or mil-spec 

devices.

Topic H5 Lightweight Spacecraft Materials and Structures

H5.01 Deployable Structures

Focus on structures that are folded or retracted for launch and then expand to a larger size once in 

their operational environment. Deployable structures include but are not limited to mechanically deployed 

structures, strain energy deployed structures, and inflated structures. These systems require innovative 

packaging and deployment approaches to maximize the ratio of the deployed dimensions to launch 

volume. The successful design and operation of structurally efficient deployable structures for spacecraft 

is always one of the highest concerns for mission success especially as their size increases or human life 

is at risk. Seeks deployable structures innovations this year in two areas of special interest for proposed 

deep-space space exploration missions: (1) large deployable solar arrays for 50+ kW solar electric 

propulsion (SEP) missions, and (2) lightweight deployable hatches for manned inflatable structures. 

Design solutions must minimize mass and launch volume while meeting all other mission requirements 

including deployed strength, stiffness, and durability.

H5.02 Extreme Temperature Structures

Focus on developing innovative low cost and lightweight structures for cryogenic and elevated 

temperature environments. The storage of cryogenic propellants and the high temperature environment 

during atmospheric entry require advanced materials to provide low mass, affordable, and reliable 

solutions. The development of durable and affordable material systems is critical to technology advances 

and to enabling future launch and atmospheric entry vehicles. The subtopic focuses on two main areas: 

highly damage-tolerant composite materials for use in cryogenic storage applications and high 

temperature composite materials for hot structures applications.

H5.03 Multifunctional Materials and Structures

Focus on integration of acoustic meta-material concepts into the primary structure to reduce interior 

acoustic and vibration environments. Specifically, innovations are solicited which maintain the load 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 12

bearing capability of the primary structure while simultaneously reducing interior noise and vibration 

levels below 400 Hz. Successful innovations are anticipated to enable the design of lighter and cheaper 

spacecraft and launch vehicle structures, as well as lower costs associated with ruggedizing and 

qualifying spacecraft and launch vehicle secondary structures. Focus on sensory materials incorporated 

into a primary structure to provide health monitoring data, and low-mass/wireless methods of transmitting 

localized structural responses to diagnostic models for material and structural state. Manufacturing 

technologies capable of producing structural components with embedded capability for sensing strain, 

damage initiation and propagation, and temperature are of particular interest. Ideally, the sensing 

technology should also augment the load carrying capability or some other structural design requirement. 

Technologies should enable weight reduction with similar or better structural performance when 

compared to traditional approaches.

Topic H6 Autonomous and Robotic Systems

H6.01 Mobility Subsystem, Manipulation Subsystem, and Human System Interaction

Create human-robotic technologies (hardware and software) to improve the exploration of space.

Robots can perform tasks to assist and off-load work from astronauts. Robots may perform this work 

before, in support of, or after humans. Ground controllers and astronauts will remotely operate robots 

using a range of control modes (tele-operation to supervised autonomy), over multiple spatial ranges 

(shared-space, line-of-sight, in orbit, and interplanetary), and with a range of time-delay and 

communications bandwidth.

Topic H7 Entry, Descent, and Landing Technologies

H7.01 Ablative Thermal Protection Systems Technologies, Sensors, and NDE Methods

Develop in-situ sensor systems including pressure sensors, heat flux sensors, surface recession 

diagnostics, and in-depth or structural interface thermal response measurement devices, for use on rigid 

and/or flexible ablative materials. Individual sensors can be proposed; however, instrumentation systems 

that include power, signal conditioning and data collection electronics are of particular interest.

In-situ heat flux sensors and surface recession diagnostics tools are needed for flight systems to provide 

better traceability from the modeling and design tools to actual performance. Focus on

non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) tools for evaluation of bondline and in-depth integrity for light- weight 

rigid and/or flexible ablative materials. Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) tools are sought to verify 

design requirements are met during manufacturing and assembly of the heat shield, e.g., verifying that 

anisotropic materials have been installed in their proper orientation, and that the bondline as well as the 

TPS materials have the proper integrity and are free of voids or defects.

H7.02 Diagnostic Tools for High Velocity Testing and Analysis

Develop diagnostics for analyzing ground tests in high enthalpy, high velocity flows used to replicate 

vehicle entry, descent and landing conditions. Diagnostics developed will be tested in NASA’s high 

enthalpy facilities, which include the Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST), Arc Jets, Ballistic Range, 

Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System (HyMETS), and 8 ft High Temperature Tunnel (HTT).

Focus on development of improved diagnostics for hypervelocity flows allows us to better understand the 

composition and thermochemistry of our ground test facilities and are important for building ground-to-
NASA/TM—2015-218855 13

flight traceability. Characterizations in facilities may be used to validate and/or calibrate predictive 

modeling tools which are used to design and margin EDL requirements.

Topic H8 High Efficiency Space Power Systems

H8.01 Space Nuclear Power Systems

Develop fission power system technology for future space exploration applications using a stepwise 

approach. Initial small fission systems are envisioned in the 1 to 10 kWe range that utilize cast uraniummetal fuel and heat pipe cooling coupled to static or dynamic power conversion. Follow-on systems could 

produce 10 or 100 s of kilowatts utilizing a pin-type uranium fueled reactor with pumped liquid metal 

cooling, dynamic power conversion, and high temperature radiators. The anticipated design life for these 

systems is 8 to 15 years with no maintenance.

H8.02 Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Address challenges common to both fuel cells fed by oxygen and hydrocarbon fuels, and electrolyzers 

fed by carbon dioxide and/or water. Hydrocarbon fuels of interest include methane and fuels generated by 

processing lunar and Mars soils. Primary solid oxide components and systems of interest are including 

solid oxide cell, stack, materials and system development for operation on direct methane in designs 

scalable to 1 to 3 kW at maturity. Strong preference for high power density configurations. Cell and stack 

development capable of Mars atmosphere electrolysis should consider feasibility at 0.4 to 0.8 kg/hr O2; 

scalable to 2 to 3.5 kg/hr O2 at maturity.

H8.03 Advanced Photovoltaic Systems

Focuses on advanced photovoltaic (PV) blanket and component technology/designs that support very 

high power and high voltage (> 200 V) applications PV power generation (cell, interconnect, and small 

self-deployable arrays) for CubeSat/ small satellite applications PV module/ component technologies that 

emphasize low mass and cost reduction (in materials, fabrication and testing). Improvements to solar cell 

efficiency that are consistent with low cost, high volume fabrication techniques. Automated/modular 

fabrication methods for PV panels/modules on flexible blankets (includes cell laydown, interconnects, 

shielding and high voltage operation mitigation techniques). Integrated PV system including cells, 

blanket, array, inverters, interconnect technologies, storage, structures, etc. with a balance-of-components 

while matching specifications of various systems.

Topic H9 Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN)

H9.01 Long Range Optical Telecommunications

Focus on PPM Space Laser Transmitters including (1) Space-qualifiable, 1520 to 1630 nm laser 

transmitter for pulse-position modulated (PPM) with >25 percent DC-to-optical (wall-plug) efficiency. (2) 

PPM Ground Laser Transmitters – >2000W average power PPM laser transmitters for nested modulation 

forward links to support simultaneous data rates of ~10 b/s (outer code) and at least 10 Mb/s (inner code) 

with an outer rate inter-symbol guard time of 50 percent. Operational wavelength in either 1030 to 1080 

nm or 1480 to 1570 nm bands. (3) Photon Counting Near-infrared Detectors Arrays for Ground Receivers 

– Close packed (not lens-coupled) kilo-pixel arrays sensitive to 1520 to 1630 nm wavelength range with 

single photon detection efficiencies greater than 90 percent, single photon detection jitters less than 40 ps 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 14

FWHM, (4) Photon Counting PPM Digital Ground Receivers – Digital receiver and decoder assemblies 

for processing photon counting detector array outputs of PPM encoded data, and (5) Photon Counting 

Near-infrared Detectors Arrays for Flight Receivers – 128×128 or larger array with integrated read-out 

integrated circuit and thermo-electric cooling for the 1030 to 1080 nm or 1520 to 1650 nm wavelength 

range with single photon detection efficiencies greater than 40 percent.

H9.02 Intelligent Communication Systems

Focus on system wide distributed intelligence of cognitive and intelligent applications – while much 

of the current research often describes negotiations and improvements between two radio nodes, the 

subtopic seeks solutions to understand system wide aspects and impacts of this new technology. Areas of 

interest include (but not limited to) system wide effects (e.g., protocols) to decisions made by one or more 

communication/navigation elements e.g., how changing data rate, modulation, or frequency between 

nodes effects data distribution through relay satellites, and throughout space and ground network and 

multiple access techniques that optimize connectivity and throughput while minimizing onboard data 

storage and interference. Seek (1) cognitive engine (algorithm) and component development - to 

demonstrate new capability in sensing and adapting to the radio/mission environment, (2) Flexible and 

adaptive hardware systems (e.g., signal processing platforms, adaptive front ends for RF or optical 

communications, and other intelligent electronics) which directly implements or demonstrates cognitive 

or intelligent applications as an alternative to more general software-based intelligent systems, and (3) 

Autonomous Ka-band and/or optical communications antenna pointing on mission spacecraft within 

intelligent multiple access systems.

H9.03 Flight Dynamics and Navigation Technology

Focus on (1) software that fuses and analyzes spacecraft sensor data and other spacecraft tracking 

data available at ground/mission operations centers (i.e., facility software), and (2) Advanced celestial 

navigation techniques including devices and systems, especially those that support of deep-space, 

planetary missions. System concepts should support significant advances of independence from Earth 

supervision including the ability to operate effectively in the absence of Earth-based transmissions or 

transmissions from planetary relay spacecraft with those that operate in the complete absence of human 

intervention or Earth-based transmissions are preferred. Of particular interest are concepts that support 

pointing of high rate optical communications terminals to earth terminals that do not rely on the use of 

optical uplinks or beacons for achieving proper pointing of the communication beam. However, concepts 

which are capable of supporting planetary missions of any type are of interest. Proposals that include repurposing/cross-purposing of advanced sensors contemplated for future deep-space missions such as xray telescopes are preferred. 

Topic H10 Ground Processing

H10.01 Cryogenic Purge Gas Recovery and Reclamation

Address the following technologies (1) Enhanced membrane technologies including Proton Exchange 

Membrane (PEM) fuel cells that increase the efficiency, recovery production rate or life span of fuel cell 

based separation technologies, (2) Development of alternative cryogenic gas separation technologies,

(3) Technologies for the rapid capture and storage of high volumes of mixed cryogenic gases,

(4) Development of zero trapped gas system technologies to improve purge effectiveness, and

(5) Development of real-time, solid state sensor technologies for monitoring the current state of the 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 15

system concentration levels and helium/nitrogen purge process effectively (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, water 

vapor content, etc.).

Topic H11 Radiation Protection

H11.01 Radiation Shielding Technologies

Address lightweight innovative radiation shielding materials to shield humans in aerospace 

transportation vehicles, large space structures such as space stations, orbiters, landers, rovers, habitats, 

and spacesuits. The materials emphasis should be on nonparasitic radiation shielding materials, or 

multifunctional materials, where two of the functions are structural and radiation shielding. Materials of 

interest include, but are not limited to, polymers, polymer matrix composites, nanomaterials, and regolith 

derived materials. The objective is to replace primary, secondary, and interior structures, including 

equipment and components, with radiation protective materials. There is particular interest in the 

development of high hydrogen content materials and materials systems to replace traditional materials. 

Topic H12 Human Research and Health Maintenance

H12.01 Measurements of Net Ocular Blood Flow

Focus on development of rapid and accurate techniques to characterize the net blood flow to and from 

the eye. Measurements of interest include the temporal history of the following (1) Maps of choroidal and 

retinal thickness, which include near- and far-field contributions, (2) Net volume of the choroid and 

retina, (3) Net volumetric blood flow to and from the choroid and retina and, (4) Pressures and net 

luminal areas at the entrance and exit of the choroid and retina. Measurements must be presented in 

physical units, such as blood flow in milliliters per minute. The measurement system must also process 

the raw data, either in a real-time or post-processing mode. Data analysis capabilities should include the 

calculation of the overall time-averaged mean values, as well as the mean waveform over a cardiac cycle. 

It would be of significant interest if comparable measurements were made simultaneously of intraocular 

pressure, reference arterial pressure (systemic, brachial and/or ophthalmic artery), fundus pulsation 

amplitude, and/or heart rate.

H12.02 Unobtrusive Workload Measurement

Addresses technologies and methods to measure, assess, and predict astronaut workload 

unobtrusively, and to extend these technologies to measuring and predicting astronaut workload during 

long duration operations. Unobtrusive measures would be ones that do not require operators to 

specifically interact with a technology or provide inputs, and would not interrupt an operator’s work.

Unobtrusive objective measures such as video, voice, thermal infrared imaging or eye tracking methods 

may be more appropriate when measuring long duration workload, so long as the technology’s credibility 

is ensured.

H12.03 Technology for Monitoring Muscle Protein Synthesis and Breakdown in Spaceflight

Focus on novel, non- or minimally-invasive technologies to measure muscle protein turnover for use 

in subsequent research studies. The most important measurement would be a synthesis breakdown ratio 

indicative of the state of muscle balance (formation, breakdown or stability) as opposed to exact protein 

synthetic rates. However, absolute protein synthesis and breakdown rates are highly desirable. Addresses 

the following Human Research Program requirements: Risk of Impaired Performance Due to Reduced 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 16

Muscle Mass, Strength and Endurance; and Characterize the time course of changes in muscle protein 

turnover, muscle mass and function during long duration space flight.

Topic H13 Nondestructive Evaluation

H13.01 Advanced NDE Modeling and Analysis

Addresses real-time large scale nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring 

(SHM) simulations and automated data reduction/analysis methods for large data sets. Simulation 

techniques will seek to expand NASA’s use of physics based models to predict inspection coverage for 

complex aerospace components and structures. Analysis techniques should include optimized automated 

reduction of NDE/SHM data for enhanced interpretation appropriate for detection/characterization of 

critical flaws in space flight structures and components. Space flight structures will include light weight 

structural materials such as composites and thin metals. Techniques sought include advanced materialenergy interaction simulation in high-strength lightweight material systems and include energy interaction 

with realistic damage types in complex 3–D component geometries (such as bonded/built-up structures). 

Topic H14 International Space Station (ISS) Demonstration and Development of 

Improved Exploration Technologies and Increased ISS Utilization

H14.01 International Space Station (ISS) Utilization

Focuses on providing additional on-orbit analytical tools. Development of instruments for on-orbit 

analysis of plants, cells, small mammals and model organisms including Drosophila, C. elegans, and 

yeast. Instruments to support studies of bone and muscle loss, multigenerational species studies and cell 

and plant tissue are desired. Providing flight qualified hardware that is similar to commonly used tools in 

biological and material science laboratories could allow for an increased capacity of on-orbit analysis 

thereby reducing the number of samples which must be returned to Earth. Development of instruments 

and software for reconstructing 3–D tomographic images that provides a nonintrusive measurement of the 

spatial phase distribution in gas-liquid flows. Instruments must be capable of a high temporal acquisition 

(200 Hz or greater) with resolution between phase boundaries within the measured region on the order of 

2 to 3 mm or better. The fluids are typically air-water systems.

H14.02 International Space Station (ISS) Demonstration of Improved Exploration Technologies

Focus on ambient temperature catalyst replacement for the ISS Water Processing Assembly, high 

pressure oxygen generation applicable to both ISS and future human space flight vehicles, demonstrated 

on ISS. Emphasis should be placed on developing and demonstrating hardware and/or software 

prototypes that can be demonstrated on orbit (TRL 8). The contract should deliver unit for functional and 

environmental testing at the completion of the Phase II contract. The technology at the end of Phase II 

should be at a TRL of 6-7.

H14.03 Recycling/Reclamation of 3–D Printer Plastic Including Transformation of Launch Package 

Solutions into 3–D Printed Parts

Focus on launch packing solutions that can be composed of materials suitable for recyclable 

processing into 1.75 mm filament and subsequently 3–D printed parts. This capability will significantly 

decrease current waste and substantially increase sustainability. The solution maybe obtained using a 

variety of approaches, such as (1) Converting commonly used 3–D printing feedstocks into packing 
NASA/TM—2015-218855 17

solutions, including but not limited foam or bags, (2) Transforming traditional packing materials into 3–D 

Printing feedstock, and (3) Developing a technology that utilizes a novel approach to identify compatible 

materials for both packing solutions and 3–D Printing. For example, this could include such materials as 

netting, fabrics, structures, containers, etc.

H14.04 Optical Components, Sensors, and Systems for ISS Utilization

Focus on development of sensors and systems using innovative sources, detectors, materials, 

components and configurations for accomplishing new and/or improved performance, increased 

reliability and ruggedness, reduction in size, weight and power consumption (SWaP), and cost would 

advance HEOMD missions. Topics of interest include but not limited to optical materials, optical 

components such high temperature and broadband windows and elements, active and passive sensing 

architectures, smart sensors and sensor suites including multifunctional aspects, monolithic or hybrid high 

operating temperature detectors and focal plane arrays, ISS compatible miniature remote sensing systems 

for characterization of hard targets, terrain mapping, deep space imaging (3–D and hyper spectral) sensors 

and systems, and precision, navigation, and timing systems.

References

1. Anderson G.A., Iacomini C. “Paragon’s experience in successful technology development and 

infusion within the SBIR program,” 2009 IEEE Aerospace Conference, pp. 1–9.

2. Zacny K., et al. “Honeybee Robotics approach to technology development and infusion,”

2010 IEEE Aerospace Conference, pp. 1–7.

3. Kiefer K.F., “Case study: Small business technology infusion,” Aerospace and Electronic Systems 

Magazine, IEEE, 25(10):4–9. 

4. Comstock D.A., “Technology development and infusion from NASA’s Innovative Partnerships 

Program,” 2008 IEEE Aerospace Conference, pp. 1–11.

5. FY 2015 President’s Budget Request Summary.