{"id":69880,"date":"2020-10-14T15:45:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-14T19:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-465430"},"modified":"2023-07-26T16:01:09","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T20:01:09","slug":"2020-nasa-tipping-point-selections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology\/2020-nasa-tipping-point-selections\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 NASA Tipping Point Selections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The following selections, organized by topic area, are based on NASA\u2019s fifth competitive Tipping Point <a href=\"https:\/\/nspires.nasaprs.com\/external\/solicitations\/summary!init.do?solId=%7b73A65D34-DD48-D3ED-9EFC-58771C88BC53%7d&path=open\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">solicitation<\/a> and have an expected combined award value of more than $370 million. NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) will negotiate with the companies to issue milestone-based firm-fixed price contracts lasting for up to five years.<\/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\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2041\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?w=2041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Black and white image of the large Moon crater Goclenius\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 47% 41%; object-position: 47% 41%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg 4090w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=768,771 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=1021,1024 1021w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=1531,1536 1531w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=2041,2048 2041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=598,600 598w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=897,900 897w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=1196,1200 1196w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?resize=1993,2000 1993w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2041px) 100vw, 2041px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Black and white image of the large Moon crater Goclenius<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cryogenic Fluid Management Technology Demonstration<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA and industry partners have developed and tested numerous technologies to enable long-term cryogenic fluid management, which is essential for establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and enabling crewed missions to Mars. Implementation of the technologies in operational missions requires further maturation through in-space demonstrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eta Space of Merritt Island, Florida, $27 million<\/strong><br>Small-scale flight demonstration of a complete cryogenic oxygen fluid management system. As proposed, the system will be the primary payload on a Rocket Lab Photon satellite and collect critical cryogenic fluid management data in orbit for nine months. The small business will collaborate with NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, and NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lockheed Martin of Littleton, Colorado, $89.7 million<\/strong><br>In-space demonstration mission using liquid hydrogen \u2013 the most challenging of the cryogenic propellants \u2013 to test more than a dozen cryogenic fluid management technologies, positioning them for infusion into future space systems. Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Marshall and Glenn.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, $53.2 million<\/strong><br>Large-scale flight demonstration to transfer 10 metric tons of cryogenic propellant, specifically liquid oxygen, between tanks on a Starship vehicle. SpaceX will collaborate with Glenn and Marshall. \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>United Launch Alliance (ULA) of Centennial, Colorado, $86.2 million<\/strong><br>Demonstration of a smart propulsion cryogenic system, using liquid oxygen and hydrogen, on a Vulcan Centaur upper stage. The system will test precise tank pressure control, tank-to-tank transfer, and multi-week propellant storage. ULA will collaborate with Marshall, Kennedy, and Glenn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative Technology Demonstration<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of NASA\u2019s <a href=\"\/directorates\/spacetech\/Lunar_Surface_Innovation_Initiative\">Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative<\/a>, the agency invests in technologies needed to advance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/isru\" rel=\"noopener\">in-situ resource utilization<\/a>, surface power generation and energy storage, communications, and more. These capabilities will help humans and robots explore more of the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Alpha Space Test and Research Alliance of Houston, $22.1 million<\/strong><br>The space science and technology evaluation facility will give small experiments access to the lunar environment to collect data and experience exposure to the ultraviolet and charged particle radiation.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Astrobotic Technology of Pittsburgh, $5.8 million<\/strong><br>Mature and demonstrate a fast, wireless charging system that addresses challenges associated with using the technology on the Moon. The effort will build and deliver flight units for potential use on commercial robotic landers. Astrobotic will collaborate with Glenn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intuitive Machines of Houston, $41.6 million<\/strong><br>Develop a small, deployable hopper lander capable of carrying a 2.2-pound (1-kilogram) payload more than 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers). This hopper could access lunar craters and enable high-resolution surveying of the lunar surface over a short distance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Masten Space Systems of Mojave, California, $2.8 million<\/strong><br>Build and demonstrate a universal chemical heat and electrical power source attachment that lets payloads survive the extreme environments encountered during the lunar night and in craters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nokia of America Corporation of Sunnyvale, California, $14.1 million<\/strong><br>Inspired by terrestrial technology, Nokia proposes to deploy the first LTE\/4G communications system in space. The system could support lunar surface communications at greater distances, increased speeds, and provide more reliability than current standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>pH Matter of Columbus, Ohio, $3.4 million<\/strong><br>Develop and demonstrate a reversible, regenerative fuel cell capable of producing power and storing energy on the lunar surface. The technology could run the future infrastructure that processes water harvested on the Moon and creates propellant and other mission consumables. The small business will collaborate with Glenn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Precision Combustion Inc. of North Haven, Connecticut, $2.4 million<\/strong><br>Advance a cost-effective power solution for space, military, and everyday applications on Earth. The solid oxide fuel cell stack will generate power directly from methane and oxygen propellants and other in-situ resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sierra Nevada Corporation of Madison, Wisconsin, $2.4 million<\/strong><br>Develop demonstration-scale hardware that uses methane and concentrated solar energy to extract oxygen from lunar regolith. The hardware could be tested on a commercial lunar lander to prove a full-scale production plant\u2019s viability using this process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SSL Robotics (Maxar Technologies) of Pasadena, California, $8.7 million<\/strong><br>Develop a lighter and less expensive robotic arm for lunar surface applications, in-orbit servicing, and terrestrial defense applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Teledyne Energy Systems of Hunt Valley, Maryland, $2.8 million<\/strong><br>Advance a hydrogen electrical power system to enable a fuel cell with an operating lifetime of 10,000 hours. Teledyne will fly a test article of the water separator on a parabolic aircraft to characterize the effect of various gravities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Closed-Loop Descent and Landing Capability Demonstration<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Suborbital platforms can enable testing of integrated precision landing and hazard avoidance technologies, using lunar trajectories during descent and landing. NASA\u2019s current investments in precision landing and hazard avoidance will benefit from analyzing flight data acquired through tests and missions in relevant environments, including those experienced during suborbital flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Masten, $10 million<\/strong><br>Masten will demonstrate precision landing and hazard avoidance testing capabilities across relevant lunar trajectories. Masten will mature its Xogdor vehicle to provide researchers from government, academia, and industry with a new platform for testing space technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the 2020 Tipping Point selections, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/go.nasa.gov\/3k02Frc\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/go.nasa.gov\/3k02Frc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about NASA space tech public-private partnership opportunities, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/go.nasa.gov\/36NebCx\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/go.nasa.gov\/36NebCx<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The following selections, organized by topic area, are based on NASA\u2019s fifth competitive Tipping Point solicitation and have an expected combined award value of more than $370 million. NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) will negotiate with the companies to issue milestone-based firm-fixed price contracts lasting for up to five years. Cryogenic Fluid Management Technology […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":53520,"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":[2862,2864,2662,2661],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"2020 NASA Tipping Point Selections","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology\/2020-nasa-tipping-point-selections\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology\/2020-nasa-tipping-point-selections\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg"},"articleSection":"NASA Centers & Facilities","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Loura Hall"}],"creator":["Loura Hall"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["Technology","Kennedy Space Center","Marshall Space Flight Center","Science & Research"],"dateCreated":"2020-10-14T19:45:00Z","datePublished":"2020-10-14T19:45:00Z","dateModified":"2023-07-26T20:01:09Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"2020 NASA Tipping Point Selections\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology\/2020-nasa-tipping-point-selections\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2020-10-14T19:45:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA Centers & Facilities\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Technology,Kennedy Space Center,Marshall Space Flight Center,Science & Research\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Loura Hall\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":5,"time_ago":"4 years","featured_image":{"id":53520,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/as08-13-2225_orig.jpg","title":"as08-13-2225_orig","alt":"Black and white image of the large Moon crater Goclenius","caption":"Black and white image of the large Moon crater Goclenius"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69880"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69880"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69880\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":395067,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69880\/revisions\/395067"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69880"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=69880"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=69880"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=69880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}