O ce o t e C e ec o og st ffice of the Chief Technologist

The State of the Agency 

NASA Alumni League

Michael Gazarik, Ph.D.

NASA Deputy Chief Technologist

March 4, 2011
Space Technology: Investments in Our Futu

• Through NASA, America Continues to Dream Big: NASA’s future 

aeronautics, science and exploration missions are grand in scope and 

bold in stature bold in stature.

• Enabling Our Future in Space: By investing in high payoff, disruptive 

technology that industry cannot tackle today, Space Technology matures 

the technology required for NASA’s future missions in science and 

exploration while proving the capabilities and lowering the cost of other government agencies and commercial space activities. 

• NASA at the Cutting Edge: Pushing the boundaries of aeroscience and 

taking informed taking informed-risk, Space Technology Space Technology allows NASA and our Nation will allows NASA and our Nation will

remain at the cutting-edge.

• Technological leadership is the “Space Race” of the 21st Century: 

NASA’s Space Technology investments will stimulate the economy and 

build our Nation build our Nation s' global economic competitiveness through the creation global economic competitiveness through the creation

of new products and services, new business and industries, and highquality, sustainable jobs. 

• NASA makes a difference in our lives everyday: Knowledge provided 

by weather and navigational spacecraft efficiency improvements in both by weather and navigational spacecraft, efficiency improvements in both

ground and air transportation, biomedical applications including bloodflow monitoring devices, pacemakers, and lasik eye surgery, as well as the protective armor that keeps our military, firefighters and police safe 

all benefitted from our nation’s investments in aerospace technology By

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

all benefitted from our nation s investments in aerospace technology. By

investing in Space Technology, NASA will continue to make a difference in the world around us. 
Space Technology

• Space Technology is a budget line in the FY 2012 request for NASA

– Consists of technology development and innovation projects that are broadly a

Agency’s future missions in science and exploration while providing space tecAgency’s future missions in science and exploration while providing space tec

improve the capabilities and lower the cost of other government agencies and activities

– Includes Partnerships, Innovation and Emerging Space (PI&ES), Strategic Int

Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIRCrosscutting Space Technology and Exploration Technology

– The President’s FY 2012 NASA Space Technology budget request is $1,024 m

increase from the amounts authorized for this suite of p g ro rams for FY 2012 in Authorization Act of 2010, consistent with the Administration’s plans to “win thin research, technology, and innovation

– Managed by Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT)

• OCT has chosen to manage technology development through the formatio

OCT has chosen to manage technology development through the formatio– Early Stage Innovation– Game Changing Technology– Crosscuttingp y Ca ability Demonstrations

• Space Technology builds on the success of NASA’s Innovative Partnership

– In FY 2011, IPP was integrated into Office of the Chief Technologist and the IP

into the Space Technology Program

F l ti f th S T h l i l t

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

• Formulation of the Space Technology program is complete

– Formally approved by Administrator at July 29 Acquisition Strategy Planning m
Space Technology Principles

Space Technology shall:• Advance broadly-applicable technology to produce technology products 

are multiple customers.

• Advance exploration-specific technologies to infuse into NASA’s future h

missions that provide the long-range, critical Exploration-specific technoconduct future human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit with life cycle cost. 

• Employ a portfolio approach over the Technology Readiness Level spec

Employ

a portfolio approach over the Technology Readiness Level spec

• Competitively select research by academia, industry, and the NASA Ce

merit.

• Leverage the technology investments of our international other governm

Leverage the technology investments of our international, other governm

academic and industrial partners.

• Establish a deliberative panel of internal and external stakeholders, incl

other government agencies, to review and advise OCT on technology d

pri iti th h t t d b l d iorities throug

h a 

transparen

t an

d

b

alance

d process. 

• Result in new inventions, new capabilities and the creation of a pipeline 

trained to serve future National needs.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Space Technology: A Different Approach

• Strategic Guidance

– Agency Strategic Plan– Grand challenges– Technology roadmaps

• Full spectrum of technology programs that provide an infusion path to 

innovative ideas from concept to flight

• Competitive peer-review and selection

– Competition of ideas building an open community of innovators for the Na

Competition of ideas building an open community of innovators for the Na

• Projectized approach to technology development

– Defined start and end dates

– Project Managers with full authority and responsibility Project Managers with full authority and responsibility– Project focus in selected set of strategically defined capability areas

• Overarching goal is to reposition NASA on the cutting-edge

– Technical rigor Technical rigor– Pushing the boundaries– Take informed risk and when we fail, fail fast and learn in the process – Seek disru

ptive innovation such that with success the future will no lon

ge

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

p g 

– Foster an emerging commercial space industry
External Input Has Driven Formulation of the 

NASA Space Technology Program

• NASA Authorization Act of 2008: “A robust program of long-term exploration-related res

develop yy g ment will be essential for the success and sustainability of any endurin

g initiative o

exploration of the solar system.” 

• NRC report, A Constrained Space Exploration Technology Program: A Review of NA

“NASA has created a supporting technology program very closely coupled to the near-term Constellation Program. This program contains only incremental gains in capability and two NASA h ff ti l d d h i b f t h l t diti ll NASA

has effectively suspen

de

d researc

h in a num

ber o

f tec

hnology areas traditionally w

scope. This could have important consequences for those portions of the VSE beyond the lunar missions, including extended human presence on the Moon, human exploration of M

• NRC report, America’s Future in Space, 2009: “NASA should revitalize its advanced tec

development program by establishing a DARPA development program by establishing

a DARPA-like organization within NASA as a priority 

like organization within NASA as

a priority 

support preeminent civil, national security (if dual-use), and commercial space programs.”

• NRC report, Fostering Visions for the Future: A Review of the NASA Institute for Adv

2009: “To improve the manner in which advanced concepts are infused into its future syst

recommends that NASA consider reestablishin

g p y 

 an aeronautics and space systems techn

enterprise. Its purpose would be to provide maturation opportunities and agency expertise reaching concepts and technologies.”

• Augustine Committee, 2009: “The Committee strongly believes it is time for NASA to rea

of developing new technologies for space. Today, the alternatives available for exploration 

severel li it d b f th l k f t t i i t t i t h l d l t i 

ly limite

d

because o

f the lac

k o

f a strategic investment in tec

hnology 

development i

• NRC report, Capabilities for the Future: An Assessment of NASA Laboratories for B

2010: “To restore the health of the fundamental research laboratories, including their equip

support services, NASA should restore a better funding and leadership balance between l

fundamental research/technology development and short- term mission-focused applicatio

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

fundamental research/technology development and short term mission focused applicatio
Office of the Chief Technologist Organization

Chief Technologist

C t Chi f T h l it

C

A

Deputy CT

Financial Management Partnership, Innovation and Emerging Space

Center Chi

ef Tec

hnologists Cross

Agen

Early Stage Game Changing Crosscutt

Strategic Integration Communications

& Outreach

Space Technology Research Grants

(GRC)

Early Stage

Innovation

Game Changing

Technology

Tech Demon

(

Crosscutt

Demo

Game Changing Development

(LaRC)

NIAC

SBIR/STTR (ARC)

Centennial Challenges (MSFC)

Center Innovation Fund

Edison Smal

Flight Opp

( )

Franklin Small Satellite

Subsystem Technology (ARC)

Grants

/ Activities Project

/ Activities Project

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Space Technology Development Approach

Visions of

Does 

Is it Flig 

Idea

Idea

Idea

Idea

Idea

Possible

f

Solution

 the Futur

it WORK?

ght Ready 

Idea IdeaIdea Idea Idea Idea Possible Solution Possible Solution Possible Solution

re

?Idea Industry

Academia

Gov’t

Mature crosscutting c

Prove feasibility of novel, early-stage ideas with potential to revolutionize a future NASA mission and/or fulfill national need.

Mature crosscutting c

that advance multiple missions to flight read

Creative ideas regarding future NASA systems or solutions to national needs.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Exploration Technology Development Move 

S

p gy ace Technology

• In FY 2012,g p a si

gnificant 

portion of the FY 2010 

Exploration Technology Development Program as well as the exploration technology activities in planning for FY 2011 will move from ESMD to Space Technology.These efforts focus on developing the long range

NASA FY 2011 Annualized 

CR Budget Structure

Exploration Systems E

• These efforts focus on developing the long-range, 

Exploration-specific technologies to enable NASA’s deep space human exploration future. 

• Integrating Exploration technology activities with 

S

pace Technology consolidates the mana

gement 

E

ResPro• 

Exploration Systems

Mission Directorate

Research and Technology Programs:

p gy g • Human Research Pro

gram

of NASA’s space technology programs within an organization focused on technology development and mission infusion, eliminates the potential for overlap had NASA’s space technology investments been split among two accounts and

• 

g

• Exploration Technology 

Development

Cross A

genc

y Support

investments been split among two accounts and

creates a robust space technology budget line.

• OCT will manage the Exploration Technology 

Development (ETD) within its existing divisions and programs: Game Changing Development 

g y pp

• Innovative Partnerships 

Program

• SBIR/STTR

• • 

(GCD) and Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM)

• OCT will work with ESMD in FY 2011 to complete 

this transition by the start of FY 2012. In FY12, ESMD will provide prioritized requirements and will

• 

C

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

ESMD will provide prioritized requirements and will

remain the primary customer for ETD products.
Proposed FY 2012 Space Technology Budget (Fu

FY12 Space Technology (Total) ($ in 

Millions)

FY 2012

PBR

FY12 Proposed Space Tec

Millions) 

Space Technology $1,024.2

$217.1 

SBIR and STTR $184.1Partnerships Dev & Strategic Integration $33 0

$310.0

$

Partnerships Dev

& Strategic Integration $33.0

Crosscutting Space Tech Development $497.1

$497.1

Exploration Technology Development $310.0 Total $1,024.2

($ in Millions)

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Space Technology RFI Responses by State

4

1

43

19

18

17

2

1

2

19

7

7 1

31

80

458

6

158

2 117

1

2

81 14

18

8

1

2

71

125

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Strategic Integration Overview

Accomplishments Future PlansDeveloped Developed Technology Technology Portion Portion of the Agency Develop Agency‐Level Technol

Strategic Plan

Develop Agency Level Technol

Procedural Requirements

Defined Space Technology Grand Challenges Coordinate Monthly Mission D

Technical Interchange Meeting

Developed 14 Technical Area Draft Roadmaps And Coordinate Monthly NASA Tec

Engaged National Research Council To Collect

Industry, Academia And National Information ToRefine And Prioritize NASA’s Technology Needs

Meetings and Center Technolo

Coordinated Mission Directorate Technology Develo

p An Inte

grated Techno

Technical Interchange Meetings

p

g 

Perform Internal Costing Analy

Coordinated

5 NASA Technology Executive Council

Meetings And

5 Center Technology Council

Develop Agency‐Wide Techno

Meetings And

5 Center Technology Council Initiate Use

Meetings

Initiate Use

Performed

2 Technology Feasibility Studies And

Initiated

3 Additional Studies

Perform Technology Studies A

Chartered 1 Technology Area Working Group Charter, Manage And Particip

Working Groups

l l d 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

Develop Quarterly An

d Annua
NASA Space Technology Roadmap 

Technology Area Breakdown Structure

NASA Authorization Bill of 2010 (Sept 2010)“In the development of the national space technology development policy, the Pres

In the development of the national space technology development policy, the Pres

President’s designee shall consult widely with academic and industry experts and wagencies. The Administrator may enter into an arrangement with the National Acadhelp develop the policy.”

NASA SPACE TECHNOLOGY ROAD

• In order for NASA to more effectively 

and efficiently develop space technologies moving forward, it is necessary to establish a sustained set 

of clearly identified and prioritized

NASA SPACE TECHNOLOGY ROAD

TECHNICAL AREA BREAKDOWN STRU

of clearly identified and prioritized

technology development goals.

• The NASA Space Technology 

roadmaps, drafted by NASA, and 

reviewed and vetted for technology investment identification and prioritization by the NRC, will serve NASA as a decadal-like survey, to provide sustained technology provide sustained technology

investment goals. 

• NRC interim findings report release 

September 2011

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

• NRC final report release January 2012

More information at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/h
Space Technology Grand Challenges

Space Technology Grand Challenges 

Expand Human Presence in Space

Space Technology Grand Challenges: a set of importantspace related problems Economical Space Access Space Health and Medicine Telepresence in Space space-related problems

that must be solved to efficiently and economically achieve 

our missions

Manage In-Space Resources

our missions.

We will use the Space Technology Grand 

Challenges with the

Affordable Abundant Power Space Way Station Space Debris Hazard 

Mitigation

Challenges with Enable Transformational Space Exploration and Scientific 

the

Space Technology Roadmaps to prioritize our technology portfolio.

Enable Transformational Space Exploration and Scientific 

Efficient In-Space 

Transportation 

High-Mass Planetary 

Surface Access

All Access Mobility Surviving Extreme 

Space Environmen

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

More Information at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/strategic_integration/grand_challen
Partnerships, Innovation and Emerging Space

FY 2010 Accomplishments• Technology Transfer: 300+ Space Act Awards; 290 license agreements; 575 

software use agreements; about 80 patents awarded

• Innovation: Funded commercial parabolic flights for 17 projects; 41 Innovation 

Fund Projects; and infused 68+ technologies into various NASA programs

FY 2012 Program PlansPartnerships• Transfer and commercialize NASA technology to create jobs, to increase U.S. 

economic competitiveness, and to save and improve lives every day. 

• Leverage resources: a win-win-win for NASA, our partners, and the taxpayerInnovation• Explore new models to nurture innovation inside and outside of NASA to 

accelerate the development of state accelerate the development of state-of-the-art technology art technology

Emerging Space• Analyze and facilitate emerging space industry, modeled after how the NACA 

sparked the growth and success of the world-leading American aviation industry, 

• Focus: Targeted sectors include low-cost and reliable access, in-space 

servicing, space telecom, lunar and asteroid commerce, and microgravity research

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Early Stage Innovation Division

The Early Stage Innovation Division sponsors a wide range of low T

for advanced s

p y p gy 

ace s

ystem conce

pt and initial technology develo

across academia, industry and at the NASA field Centers.

• Space Technology Research Grants Program focus

research in advanced s

p gy g g 

ace technology

grants & 

grad

for student research in space technology

• NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Progr

innovative aeronautics and space system concepts for missions

• Center Innovation Fund Program stimulates aerospa

innovation at the NASA field Centers 

• Centennial Challenges Prize Program addresses ke

needs with new sources of innovation outside the tradicommunity 

• Small Business Innovation Research and Small Bu

Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program engagein our Nation’s space enterprise and infuse these prodmissions

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

All Early Stage Innovation selections will be made competitiv
Game Changing Technology Division

• The Game Changing Technology Division focuses on maturing advanced sp

that may lead to entirely new approaches for the Agency's future space miss

solutions to significant national needs solutions to significant national needs. 

• Through ground-based testing and/or laboratory experimentation, the Game 

Technology Division matures technologies in preparation for potential system 

demonstration.

• Success is not assured with each investment; however, on the whole and ov

dramatic advances in technology, enabling entirely new NASA missions and 

solutions for a variety of society solutions for

a variety of society s' technological challenges are expected technological challenges are expected. 

• Game Changing Development Program fo

innovative ideas enabling new capabilities oour current approaches to space systems

• Franklin Small Satellite Subsystem Techn

enables small satellites to provide game chacapabilities for the space sectors

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Crosscutting Capability Demonstrations Div

• The Crosscuttin

gp y 

 Ca

pabilit

y Demonstrations Division focuses on maturation 

readiness of cross-cutting capabilities that advance multiple future space mflight test projects where in-space demonstration is needed before the capatransition to direct mission application.

• Matures a small number of technologies that benefit multiple customers to f

status (TRL 7) through Projects that perform relevant environment testing.

• Edison Small Satellite Demonstration Mission

and operates a series of NASA-focused small satmissions in collaboration with academia and sma

• Flight Opportunities Program provides flight op

reduced-gravity environments, brief periods of wehigh-altitude atmospheric research

• T h l D t ti Mi i P Tec

hnology 

Demonstration Missions 

Program 

flight demonstrations, a small number of Agency ctechnologies in partnerships with the NASA Missiindustry, academia and other government agenci

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 
Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) - TDM 

GRC Lead

• Dramatical

future spacdemonstrat

MAIN ACHIEVEMENT:• Demo high power (> 25 kW), high 

η (> 

50%) med ISP (> 1000s) long duration

• Low thrust Ion prop operational

demonstrat

and med th

• Enable futu

missions to deeps spac

shorter dur

50%), med ISP (> 1000s), long duration(> 6 mo), reliable EP • Couple high power solar array and power mgmt w/ hall EP to prove deep space exploration capability HOW IT WORKS: • Med Hall EP thrusters ground tested 

at vacuum – TRL 5

• Solar power generation is readily 

available up to 100 kW (ISS)

• Need space EP demo at > 25 kW

shorter durlower earth requiremen

• May enable 

HOW IT WORKS:• 30 kW Array• High power hall propulsion system• 15 – 20 mt LEO launch vehicleASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS• SEP demo to use TRL 6 panels, and TRL 4-5 hall thrusters & power management system• Human exploration systems will need 300 kW (~ 5 N) class systemAPPROACH:

P i t ti l t hi ith

• High Power EP using multiple ~10kW

Technology Demo to Test

• Pursuing potenti

al partnership with

another government agency

Efficient In

• High Power EP using multiple ~10kW thrusters w/ > 25 kW tot.

• High Voltage, High Power Solar Array 

w/ stable power mgmt.

• Long duration (> 6 mo) sustained high 

th t (>25 kW)

• Develop s

rapid, effitransportaaround sp

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

Demonstrating efficient in-space transportation with a high power solar electric pr

thrust (>25 kW) around sp
NASA Space Technology: 

Part of a Broader National Strategy

• Space Technology is the central NASA contribution to a revitalized rese

a d o at o age da o t e at o ese est e ts st u ate 

nd innovation agenda for the Nation. These investments will stimulate 

and build our Nation’s global economic competitiveness through the creproducts and services, new business and industries, and high-quality, s– A renewed technology emphasis balances NASA’s long-standing core com

research and technology spaceflight har research and technology, spaceflight hardware development and mission o

development, and mission o

– An enhanced technology and innovation focus at NASA responds to the re

multiple external stakeholders.

– By investing in high payoff, disruptive technology that industry cannot tackl

Technology matures the technology required for NASA’s future missions in exploration while proving the capabilities and lowering the cost of other govagencies and commercial space activities .

• Pushing g the boundaries of aeroscience and taking informed-risk, Sp 

ace 

allows NASA and our Nation will remain at the cutting-edge.

• In addition to providing a more vital and productive aerospace future, by 

Space Technology, NASA will continue to make a difference in our lives 

President Obama, February 3, 2011, at Penn State: "Innovation is what this country 

Sparking the imagination and creativity of our people, unleashing new discoveries -- tha

does better than any other country on Earth. That's what we do. We need you to seek 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST www.nasa.gov/oct 

and new technologies that we can1t even imagine yet.”