{"id":320562,"date":"2023-03-03T16:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T21:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=migration&p=320562"},"modified":"2023-06-30T11:30:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T15:30:17","slug":"nasa-seeks-commercial-near-space-network-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-seeks-commercial-near-space-network-services\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA Seeks Commercial Near Space Network Services"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>NASA is seeking commercial communication and navigation service providers for the agency\u2019s Near Space Network.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-article-hero-header nasa-gb-align-full bg-carbon-90 width-full maxw-full color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-hero-header\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full maxw-full minh-tablet grid-container minh-tablet flex-column padding-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-foreground-wrapper display-flex flex-direction-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block margin-top-auto width-full maxw-desktop-lg padding-y-9 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-0 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"z-400 grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-7 z-400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label color-spacesuit-white margin-bottom-2\">3 Min Read<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"heading-41 line-height-md color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA Seeks Commercial Near Space Network Services\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-left mobile-skrim-top z-200\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"Near Space Network: Providing missions within two million kilometers of Earth with communications and navigation services.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 29%; object-position: 50% 29%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png 3840w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=768,768 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=1024,1024 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=1536,1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=2048,2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=600,600 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=900,900 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=1200,1200 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/microsoftteams-image-13.png?resize=2000,2000 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"padding-y-3 padding-x-3\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-x-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"hds-caption maxw-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0 color-carbon-30\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><figcaption>Near Space Network: Providing missions within two million kilometers of Earth with communications and navigation services.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-credits color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Credits: <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>NASA \/ Dave Ryan<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/projects\/NSN?tab=overview\" rel=\"noopener\">Near Space Network<\/a> provides missions within 2 million kilometers (1.2 million miles) of Earth with robust communications and navigation services. Using a blend of government and commercial assets, the network supports science, human spaceflight, and technology demonstration missions exploring our planet, the Moon, and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In February 2023, NASA issued the <a href=\"https:\/\/sam.gov\/opp\/c376df5c02634ecf9de253593c3ad25c\/view\" rel=\"noopener\">Near Space Network Services request for proposal (RFP<\/a>) seeking relay and direct-to-Earth service providers for integration into the network\u2019s expanding portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These services include relays, either near-Earth or at the Moon, that will allow missions without a direct connection to send critical data back to Earth. The RFP is also seeking direct-to-Earth services, which allows spacecraft to communicate with a ground station on Earth rather than a relay. Both modes of transmission allow for essential science, telemetry, and tracking data to reach Earth for investigation and discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, the <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/projects\/ACCESS\" rel=\"noopener\">ground antennas and relay satellite systems<\/a> making up the Near Space Network have been government owned. Now, NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/heo\/scan\/index.html\">Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN)<\/a> program office is integrating additional commercial service providers to broaden network\u2019s capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Antennas in the foreground at NASA's White Sand Complex.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg 3456w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/wsc.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Antennas in the foreground at NASA’s White Sand Complex.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This RFP will be critical to evolving exploration activities, including the Artemis Moon missions. When NASA and its partners establish a sustained presence on the Moon, the Near Space Network will provide robust space communications and navigation support. <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/static-files\/LunaNet%20Interoperability%20Specification.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Interoperable systems<\/a> \u2013 such as lunar relays \u2013 will allow NASA to work with industry and international partners in alignment with the agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/m2m-objectives-exec-summary.pdf?emrc=119caf\">Moon to Mars objectives<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA is looking to leverage the ever-expanding aerospace industry and increase the network\u2019s commercial communication and navigation service provider base. In doing so, the Near Space Network can support more missions conducting valuable investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Missions seeking to use Near Space Network may be connected to either government, commercial, or partner <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/projects\/NSN?tab=for%20providers\" rel=\"noopener\">provider<\/a> services. The network will act as a <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/projects\/NSN?tab=for%20customer%20missions\" rel=\"noopener\">one-stop-shop<\/a> for mission teams, helping with planning and design, spectrum management, launch, operations in orbit, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The award of the network services contract(s) will be based on the offeror\u2019s ability to meet the specific technical acceptability standards set forth in the RFP. Responses to the RFP are due by 2 p.m. EDT March 29, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"NASA\u2019s Near Space Network: Overview\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UTL_PCuqVDM?start=1&feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NASA’s Near Space Network: Enabling exploration and science missions.<br>Credits: NASA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The SCaN program office, under the direction of NASA\u2019s Space Operations Mission Directorate, provides programmatic oversight of NASA\u2019s Near Space Network and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/heo\/scan\/services\/networks\/deep_space_network\">Deep Space Network<\/a>, advanced communication technologies, and other space communications requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By <a href=\"mailto:katherine.s.schauer@nasa.gov\">Katherine Schauer<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/goddard\">NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a>, Greenbelt, Md.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Banner Image: <\/strong>Artistic illustration of the Moon and Earth with Near Space Network connection lines linking the two. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-about-the-author nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-6 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-about-the-author\"><div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-x-0 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black padding-top-3\"><div class=\"margin-bottom-4\"><h3 class=\"heading-14\">About the Author<\/h3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-row grid-container padding-x-0 maxw-widescreen\"><div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6 desktop:padding-right-9\"><div class=\"grid-row\"><div class=\"hds-author-thumbnail mobile:circle-6 mobile:maxw-6 circle-card maxw-card thumbnail margin-right-2 desktop:margin-right-5\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"10rem\" height=\"10rem\" loading=\"lazy\" fetchpriority=\"low\" class=\"avatar avatar-300 photo medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/cropped-microsoftteams-image-14-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Katherine Schauer\"><\/div><div class=\"grid-col\"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2\"><h2 class=\"heading-29 line-height-sm\">Katherine Schauer<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"padding-y-2\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"desktop:grid-col-6 desktop:padding-right-9\"><p class=\"margin-top-0\">Katherine Schauer is a writer for the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program office and covers emerging technologies, commercialization efforts, exploration activities, and more.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NASA is seeking commercial communication and navigation service providers for the Near Space Network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":239,"featured_media":322187,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"NASA Seeks Commercial Near Space Network 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