Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Space Technology Mission Directorate

2014 Annual Report

Flight Opportunities
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Introduction

Flight Opportunities

FY14: A Year Of Transition

Technology Maturation Through Flight Testing

A Stepping Stone to Low Earth Orbit & Beyond 

Program Metrics

FY11-14

Platforms

Profiles

 4

7

23

67

91

Table of Contents

August 20, 2014: NASA pilot and five-time Space Shuttle astronaut Kenneth 

Cockrell prepares the NASA C9 aircraft for the second leg of 20 microgravity 

parabolas over the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo: NASA/Bill Stafford)

Cover Photo: Masten Space System’s XA-0.1B “Xombie” vertical-launch, 

vertical-landing reusable rocket. (Photo: NASA/Tom Tschida)
LK Kubendran Ronald Young 

Program Executive Level II Program Manager

NASA HQ NASA/Armstrong Flight Research Center

Welcome to our second Annual Report. In this report, we continue our story of how NASA is working with 

the U.S. commercial space sector and the research community to advance national space interests and 

develop technologies critical to NASA’s future missions.

FY14 was a year of transition for our Program. As the industry continues to evolve, we aim to stimulate 

broader adoption of the commercial flight services offered beyond our Program. In a change to our 

solicitation strategy, the Program will therefore start providing awards with fixed funding levels to space 

technology developers from academia and industry. This will allow them to directly purchase flights from 

U.S. suborbital flight vendors that best meet their needs. In doing so, the Program is facilitating a more 

direct interaction and encouraging organizations from academia and industry to augment government 

funding by investing institutional funds in the purchase of suborbital flight services. This revised approach 

is in line with our mandate to foster a commercial market with NASA as one of many customers. We will 

continue to support U.S. Government flight demonstration needs by manifesting payloads from within 

NASA and other government agencies on commercial flights using the latest IDIQ2 contracts. The Program 

currently has four operational flight providers under contract to provide flight services for U.S. Government 

payloads and will on-ramp new flight providers as they enter commercial operations.

As the suborbital industry expands its flight capabilities, the Program will co-evolve and help broaden 

the relevant space environments available to the space technology community. To this end, we have 

started a new ‘Announcement of Collaborative Opportunity’ (ACO) aimed at establishing public-private 

partnerships with commercial flight providers interested in further developing their suborbital and orbital 

launch capabilities with NASA assistance. Through this ACO, the Program aims to support and ultimately 

offer orbital flight opportunities for nano- and small satellite class spacecraft.

FY14 was also the first year in which technologies tested through our Program were deployed to the 

International Space Station - most notably the ‘3D printing in Zero-G’ experiment featured later in this report. 

Meanwhile, on July 15, 2014, DARPA announced that it had selected Program flight providers Masten 

Space Systems, XCOR Aerospace, and Virgin Galactic as part of winning teams for their Experimental 

Spaceplane XS-1 program. 

With the programmatic adjustments started in FY14, we believe the Program is well aligned to continue 

to foster and support the U.S. commercial spaceflight industry for the benefit of NASA and the nation. We 

hope you enjoy reading this report.

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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 Introduction 
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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NASA Small Business Program Team of the Year for 2013: Flight Opportunities Team. Pictured from left to right are Charles 

Bolden (NASA Administrator), Laguduva R. Kubendran (NASA HQ Space Technology Mission Directorate, Flight Opportunities 

Program Executive), Ron Young (Flight Opportunities Program Manager), Christopher Baker (Flight Opportunities Campaign 

Manager), Joel Lozano (Flight Opportunities Contract Specialist), Charles Rogers (NASA Armstrong’s Acting Director of 

Exploration and Space Technology Programs), David D. McBride (NASA Armstrong Center Director), and Glenn A. Delgado 

(NASA Associate Administrator, Office of Small Business Programs). (Photo: NASA/Jim Ross) 
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Flight Opportunities

FY14: A Year Of Transition

June 20, 2014: Astrobotic Technology’s newly developed autonomous landing system (T0067) was put to the test when 

it controlled Masten Space Systems’ XA-0.1B Xombie suborbital technology demonstration rocket during a NASAsponsored launch and landing at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. (Photo: NASA/Ken Ulbrich)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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“Transform NASA missions and advance the Nation’s capabilities by maturing crosscutting and innovative 

space technologies...NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) investment strategy addresses 

the broad range of technology areas identified in our Space Technology Roadmaps, as prioritized by the 

National Academies. This portfolio approach spans the entire technology life cycle, utilizing a combination 

of early stage conceptual studies, discovering entirely new technologies (technology readiness level (TRL) 

1-3); rapid competitive development and ground-based testing (TRL 3-5) to determine feasibility; and flight 

demonstrations in a relevant environment to complete the final step toward mission infusion (TRL 5-7)... 

Through challenging new missions, multi-use technologies, and stimulation of commercial space markets, 

NASA’s STMD expands capabilities in space and on Earth.”

NASA Strategic Plan 2014

“The report of the National Academy of Sciences, Revitalizing NASA’s Suborbital Program: Advancing Science, Driving Innovation and Developing Workforce, found that suborbital science missions were absolutely critical to building an aerospace workforce capable of meeting the needs of current and future human 

and robotic space exploration. The designee shall be responsible for the development of short- and long 

term strategic plans for maintaining, renewing and extending suborbital facilities and capabilities. The Administrator shall establish a Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program within the Space Technology Program that shall fund the development of payloads for scientific research, technology development, 

and education, and shall provide flight opportunities for those payloads to microgravity environments and 

suborbital altitudes. The Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research Program may fund engineering and 

integration demonstrations, proofs of concept, or educational experiments for commercial reusable vehicle 

flights. The program shall endeavor to work with NASA’s Mission Directorates to help achieve NASA’s 

research, technology, and education goals.”

NASA Authorization Act of 2010 Section 907

“United States Government departments and agencies, within their authorized capacity, shall encourage 

and facilitate the U.S. commercial space transportation industry to increase industry robustness and cost 

effectiveness, foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship and international competitiveness, and benefit 

the U.S. economy.”

National Space Transportation Policy 2013
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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STMD pursues crosscutting technologies to enhance national capabilities and enable more challenging 

missions for NASA. Adoption of advanced technologies for space applications is constrained by the limited 

opportunities to demonstrate them in relevant operational environments. Flight Opportunities seeks to increase 

the availability and affordability of space access for technology maturation by employing commercial flight 

services and developmental partnerships. 

Through the Flight Opportunities Program, STMD selects promising technologies from industry, academia and 

government, to be tested in a relevant environment through flights on commercial launch vehicles. This approach 

takes technologies from a laboratory environment and gives them flight heritage, while also stimulating the 

development and utilization of U.S. commercial spaceflight capabilities and infrastructure. Within this context, 

the program goal addresses the NASA Strategic Plan (2014), the National Space Transportation Policy (2013), 

and the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 (see on the left). 

FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14

Budget (M$) 10 10 10 10

Flight Opportunities FY11-14 Budget

LK Kubendran / Ronald Young 

Program Management

NASA/Armstrong Flight Research Center

The Flight Opportunities Program within the Space Technology 

Mission Directorate (STMD) helps fulfill the strategic objective 

of transforming NASA missions and advancing U.S. spaceflight 

capabilities by fostering the operational readiness and transition 

of innovative space technologies into future activities. 
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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 Supply: Commercial Flight Services 

For flight demonstrations performed under the Program, Flight Opportunities procures commercial flight services 

on reusable launch vehicles. The commercial nature and reusability of the launch vehicles are emphasized in 

order to support the U.S. space industry and encourage launch vehicle technological innovation, responsiveness 

and cost effectiveness.

A robust and vibrant commercial space transportation market 

is necessary to provide the affordable, frequent, and ready access to the space environment that is integral to the success 

of the Program. As such, the Program has sought to foster 

both the payload market and expansion of the qualified vendor base for performing technology demonstration missions. 

The current solicitation strategy for flight and integration services evolved with feedback and data from both the research 

community and the U.S. commercial spaceflight industry. 

The Program established its second commercial (FAR Part 

12) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for integration and flight services in FY 2014. Mission profiles and 

vehicle capabilities of interest to the research community were 

more diverse than originally anticipated in FY 2011. The new 

IDIQ2 contract therefore contains on-ramping and expansion 

clauses, allowing the Program to add new capabilities driven 

by the research community to the contract, as they become 

commercially available. The Program will reopen the solicitation for flight services at least once a year to encourage new 

vendors and foster commercial competition.

To further promote improvements to the reliability, responsiveness, performance, and cost effectiveness of current and future U.S. space transportation systems, the Program in FY 

2014 issued a Request for Information (RFI) looking for areas 

in which access to NASA expertise and facilities could assist 

commercial development. Based on the results of this RFI, 

STMD will pursue public-private partnerships or other agreements with industry starting in FY 2015 for the development 

and demonstration of vehicle technology enhancements. To 

help close gaps in initial operational capabilities, the Program 

will enter into partnerships with the commercial suborbital and 

small orbital launch industry for access to relevant NASA facilities, personnel and technical information.

Agreements with industry will be aimed at increasing the availability of launch platforms that can provide flight demonstration services or expansion of capabilities for current launch 

platforms to better meet the technical requirements of the research community. The program will also continue to support 

demonstration opportunities for technologies that enhance 

the capabilities of launch vehicles and encourage the commercialization of technologies developed or demonstrated 

through the Program. 

1 Armadillo Aerospace, Heath, TX

2 Masten Space Systems, Mojave, CA 

3 Near Space Corporation, Tillamook, OR

4 UP Aerospace, Highlands Ranch, CO

5 Virgin Galactic, Mojave, CA

6 World View Enterprises, Tuscon, AR

7 Whittinghill Aerospace, Camarillo, CA

8 XCOR Aerospace, Mojave, CA

9 Zero Gravity Corporation, Arlington, VA

IDIQ1

√

 √ *

√

√

√

√

√

**

IDIQ2

√

√

√

√

1st FO flight

FY12 (11/16/2011)

FY13 (01/20/2013)

FY12 (04/05/2012)

TBD

FY15 (03/08/2015)

FY11 (07/19/2011)

FO flights FY11-14

10

 8

 3

 16 ***

Flight designation

Xombie 

SBS, NBS or HASS

UP

RGO

 * Pre-existing contracts were used to fly with Masten Space Systems during IDIQ1

 ** Parabolic flight weeks were operated through the NASA/JSC Reduced Gravity Office (RGO). The contract with Zero Gravity Corporation ended June 2014.

*** Parabolic flight weeks are counted as 1 flight
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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July 18, 2014: Ascent of the second Small Balloon System (SBS) 

balloon carrying the surrogate satellite ADS-B system (T0099). 

The flight evaluated future satellite reception of ADS-B signals 

from operational aircraft and ADS-B ground stations.

(Photo: Near Space Corporation)
 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 TOTAL 

Technology payloads selected 19 55 50 16 140 

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <-> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <-> sRLV [SB]

 12 21 26 13 72

 4 29 14 3 50

 3 7 10

 3 1 1 5

 1 2 3

 * number of payload-flights: 13/7 means 13 were ‘first flight’ for a payload while 7 were ‘re-flights’ for previously flown payloads.

** 85 unique technologies (T#s) have been flight tested. 49 payload-flights consisted of re-flights or previously flown payloads.

Parabolic

sRLV

Balloon

 *13/7 18/7 6/12 30/8 67/34 = 101

 2/3 5/5 3/6 10/14 = 24

 5 3/1 8/1 = 9 

Payload-flights achieved 20 30 33 51 ** 85/49 = 134 

(more details in Program Metrics section)

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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 Demand: Technology Development 

The Program selects crosscutting technologies that align with NASA technology investment priorities and are 

applicable to multiple Government missions or have a viable commercial application. Technologies selected 

for flight demonstration are expected to enhance or enable multiple future space exploration and utilization 

missions. Under all Program solicitation mechanisms, a total of 140 technologies were selected for testing 

between FY 2011 and FY 2014. 

The payload solicitation strategy was developed with the 

intention of fostering a viable commercial market. Realization 

of such a market is in the national interest and can drive both 

an increased cadence and a reduction in cost for future NASA 

technology demonstration missions. 

Starting in FY 2011, the solicitation strategy has had a phased 

approach, designed to establish Flight Opportunities as an 

anchor customer for commercial reusable suborbital and 

orbital spaceflight services, encourage early adoption by 

other organizations, and then gradually reduce the Program’s 

involvement in the marketplace to that of being one of multiple 

customers. In furtherance of this strategy, the Program has 

utilized several payload solicitation mechanisms. Through 

these diverse solicitations, the Program partners with industry, 

academia and government for technology demonstrations:

In addition to the program-lead announcements, Flight 

Opportunities accommodates (and stimulates) research and 

technology payloads coming directly from other programs 

within STMD and other NASA Mission Directorates. 

Payloads from other programs are selected according to 

that organization’s competitive selection and peer-review 

processes. 

NASA Research Announcements (SpaceTech-REDDI-F) 

Funding flight demonstrations up to a fixed value with the 

responsibility for the flight contract placed on the payload 

provider 

NASA Research Announcements

Funding the development of technology payloads

Announcements of Flight Opportunities (AFO)

Funding flight demonstrations using commercial flight 

contracts established by NASA [phased out]
NASA Space Technology (Mission Directorate)

Flight Opportunities is one of nine programs in NASA’s 

Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). Space 

Technology conducts rapid development and infusion 

of space technologies that enable NASA’s missions and 

increase the Nation’s capabilities in space.

Space Technology Research and Development

To advance the state of the art, NASA sources technology 

from the entire pool of potential technology providers: 

industry, academia, small businesses, other government 

agencies, individual entrepreneurs, and NASA Centers.

The Space Technology Research and Development 

portfolio supports a combination of early stage 

conceptual studies that focus on discovering entirely 

new technologies; rapid competitive development and To learn more, go to www.nasa.gov/spacetech

Flight Opportunities for NASA Space Technology

ground-based testing of promising technologies; and flight 

demonstration of successful technologies to complete the 

final step prior to mission infusion. By supporting projects at 

all technology readiness levels, Space Technology creates a 

technology pipeline, starting with innovation and early stage 

technology investigations, and eventually resulting in mature, 

ready-to-utilize technologies that increase the nation’s inspace capabilities.

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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TDM

SST

FO

CC

GCD

SBIR/STTR

CIF

NIAC

STRG

Technology

Demonstration Missions

Small Spacecraft

Technology

Flight

Opportunities

Centennial

Challenges

Game Changing

Development

Center Innovation

Fund

NASA Innovative

Advanced Concepts

Space Technology

Research Grants

TRL

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Technology Readiness Levels - Technology Maturation

TRL Ranges of Programs

TDM directed its first payload 

to FO in FY14 (T0125)

SST manages 5 payloads 

selected in FY13 under NRA2

CIF directed its first payload 

to FO in FY14 (T140) 

GCD manages 14 payloads 

selected in FY12 under NRA1

SBIR is an important funding source 

for PIs prior to FO flight testing
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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November 12, 2013: View of the Earth from an altitude 

of 117 km (72.7 mi). Launched from the UP Aerospace 

Launch Pad One complex at Spaceport America (NM), 

SpaceLoft-8 carried 6 experiments selected by the Flight 

Opportunities Program. The flight exposed the experiments 

to four minutes of microgravity. (Photo: UP Aerospace)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Total mission duration of SpaceLoft-8 from launch 

to touch down was just under 13 minutes. The 

vehicle lands by parachute and is recovered 

by helicopter and brought back to the launch 

complex within two hours. (Photo: UP Aerospace)

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Once the vehicle has been successfully recovered 

and brought back to the launch site, UP Aerospace 

staff work with the various payload teams to 

retrieve their experiments from the reusable upper 

section of the fuselage. (Photo: UP Aerospace, on 

the left: Jerry Larson, CEO UP Aerospace)

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Experiments are mounted in cylindrical payload canisters such 

as the one seen in this image. Principal Investigator Andrei Zagrai 

is seen here with his team from the New Mexico Institute of Mining 

and Technology after recovering their payload testing Structural Health 

Monitoring technology for commercial space vehicles (T0038). Pictured 

from left to right, sitting: Wade Thomas, Robert Cook, Matthew Shubert; 

standing: Andrei Zagrai, Levi Magnuson, John (Lloyd) Puckett, Paul de Leon 

(NASA), Jon Schlavin, Jaclene Schlavin, Benjamin Cooper, Cameron Lucas, Kevin Hill, 

Benjamin Warner. (Photo: UP Aerospace)

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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September 11, 2010: NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Expedition 24 

flight engineer, looks through a window in the Cupola of the International 

Space Station. The image was a self-portrait using natural light.

(Photo: NASA - ISS024-E-014263)

Technology Maturation Through Flight Testing

A Stepping Stone to Low Earth Orbit and Beyond
Stephan Ord / Alexander van Dijk / Dougal Maclise (retired) 

Technology Management

NASA/Ames Research Center

April 24, 2014 (top image): Prof. Kerri Cahoy of MIT AeroAstro (left, PI for T0089) observes the MicroMAS 

test object during a parabolic maneuver. The goal of the microgravity flight campaign was to validate the 

performance of the reaction wheels and custom scanner assembly in zero gravity and to test the closedloop attitude stabilization algorithms on a free-floating platform. (Photo: NASA/Bill Stafford)

March 4, 2015, 2:30:01 a.m CST (bottom image): Deployment of the MicroMAS and LambdaSat cubesats 

from the International Space Station in low-Earth Orbit. (Photo: NASA/NanoRacks)

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Between FY 2011 and FY 2014 a total of 32 flight 

campaigns were flown, resulting in 134 payloadflights and a total of 85 technologies tested in 3 different relevant flight environments (variable gravity, high 

altitude exposure, and low altitude Entry, Descent 

and Landing). The 140 technologies selected to date 

are intended for operational use in a diverse range of 

space environments, including suborbital flight, lowEarth orbit (e.g. the International Space Station), the 

Moon, Mars and beyond. 

Technology development at the prototype and subsystem 

level may require several iterations before progressing toward mission use. Flight testing enabled through Flight Opportunities is therefore usually part of a broader technology 

maturation plan, where the technology advances from design 

and laboratory testing to flight test iterations, (often) back to 

design, and finally to flight validation and infusion into the relevant mission application.

Many researchers and technologists return to the Flight Opportunities Program to test new design configurations based 

on lessons learned from previous flights. For most technologies, this iterative testing and maturation does not stop with 

Flight Opportunities and may continue into low-Earth Orbit 

with the help of other NASA programs such as the International Space Station (ISS).

Each technology development path is unique. One example 

which demonstrates the role of Flight Opportunities is the 

development of the 3D printer for zero gravity applications 

by Made In Space, Inc. Early development of this system included flying both “commercial of the shelf” 3D printers and 

a custom-build 3D printer of Made in Space’s own design on 

a parabolic flight in FY 2011. Based on the test results from 

that flight series, Made In Space identified key issues in the 

microgravity operation of their system and were able to secure SBIR funding to further develop a dedicated zero gravity 

3D printer. Over a year later, they tested their new design in 

a second parabolic flight series to validate the system before 

sending it to the ISS for further testing in low-Earth orbit. Results from this on-orbit test bed are informing the design of 

a second generation 3D printer, the Additive Manufacturing 

Facility (AMF), which will be launched and integrated into an 

FY 2011 - FY 2014

Campaigns flown 

Technologies tested

Payload-flights
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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April 25, 2013 (top image): The research team from the University of Maryland and Aurora Flight Sciences 

Corporation observe the Resonant Inductive Near-field Generation System (RINGS) hardware (T0065) as it tries to 

settle in free float during in parabolic maneuver. (Photo: NASA/Devin Boldt) 

November 4, 2013 (bottom image): In the ISS’s Kibo laboratory, NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins, Expedition 

37 flight engineer, conducts a session with the Resonant Inductive Near-field Generation System, or RINGS. The 

SPHERES-RINGS system uses the local generation of electromagnetic fields by the vehicles of a spacecraft cluster 

to control their relative degrees of freedom without consuming propellant. (Photo: NASA)

ISS express rack to provide a commercial in-space 3D printing service in late 2015. Meanwhile, the team continues to 

use parabolic flight to test new materials and hardware improvements intended for future evolutions of the 3D printing 

technology.

One of the key observations after four years of flight testing is 

that many of the technology developers who apply to Flight 

Opportunities are targeting a downstream deployment of their 

hardware to the ISS. Not only does the ISS serve as a target application for technologies related to human habitation 

in space, it is also proving to be a valuable test environment 

for a wide range of other space exploration and utilization 

technologies. Since it would be unsafe and inefficient to send 

unproven technologies directly to the ISS for testing, other 

means are needed to bridge the gap between a laboratory 

proven technology and one that is ready for deployment to 

the ISS. By enabling access to short periods of microgravity, the commercial flight services available through Flight Opportunities enable technology developers to bridge this gap, 

both in terms of risk reduction for space hardware, and in 

testing operational procedures that will be used onboard the 

ISS (astronaut time onboard the ISS is one of the most highly 

constrained resources on orbit). 

In addition to ISS applications, Flight Opportunities has seen 

a steady increase in proposals to test technologies related to 

small and nano satellites. With the rapid rise in popularity of 

small and nano satellites, testing subsystems in microgravity (e.g. solar panel hinges and antenna or tether deployment 

mechanisms) provides valuable engineering data to rapidly 

advance the maturation of these emerging satellite systems. 

Combined with the ability to conduct the tests firsthand, suborbital flight testing offers a useful risk reduction tool as well as 

a valuable educational opportunity for students and researchers working on this new class of affordable space missions.

Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) systems are an important enabling technology that cuts across many application 

domains. One of the great challenges to exploring the solar 

system is being able to land robots, humans and other assets on the surface of planets, moons and other small bodies. Initially, this was not an area where the Program anticipated being able to make a valuable contribution. However, 

following early demand, Masten Space Systems was able to 

establish itself as a flight service provider offering access to 

low-altitude, rocket powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing 

(VTOL) testbeds that can help test final descent sensors and 

navigation algorithms. Starting with a Program funded activity to integrate the GENIE navigation, guidance and control 

payload from Draper Laboratories, the “Xombie” platform has 

provided valuable flight testing opportunities for systems from 

Draper, NASA/JPL and Astrobotic Technology inc. that may 

help land the next generation of U.S. spacecraft on the Moon, 

Mars, and elsewhere in the solar system.

The following pages contain several examples of how the 

Flight Opportunities Program is leveraging the U.S. commercial spaceflight industry and workforce to advance space 

technologies to meet future mission and National needs. 
 In 2011, NASA and Made In Space joined forces to design, build 

 and test the first ever 3D printer for in-space applications. Dubbed 

 the “3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment”, this initial version 

 of the zero-G printer serves as a test bed for understanding the 

 long-term effects of microgravity on 3D printing. 

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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The first 3D Printer to be tested onboard the International Space Station

(Photo: Made In Space)
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Space Technology Mission Directorate

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 Three programs of the Space Technology Mission Directorate

 were instrumental in its development: initial parabolic flight tests 

 were provided by Flight Opportunities in 2011. 

 Follow-on design contracts were awarded by the SBIR Program in 2012. 

 Flight hardware and launch preparations were supported by the 

Space Technology Mission Directorate Game Changing Development 

Program and the Advanced Exploration Systems Program in the 

Human Exploration and Operations Directorate starting in 2013.

 The 3D printer launched into orbit on September 21, 2014.

On November 24, 2014, it successfully 

 reached the International Space Station. 

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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November 24, 2014:

The Made In Space 3D Printer 

arrived at the International Space 

Station on the fourth installment of 

the SpaceX Cargo Resupply Service 

(CRS) mission (Photo: NASA)
Soon after arrival, it manufactured its first part. This is the first 

time hardware has been additively manufactured in space 

instead of launching it from Earth. In less than four years, the 

printer was designed, developed, flight tested, launched into 

orbit, and successfully operated onboard the ISS. 

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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 A project like the “3D Printing in Zero-G 

 Experiment” clearly demonstrates the 

value of cooperation. Coordinated across 

three of its nine programs, NASA Space 

Technology, together with other NASA 

partners and the entrepreneurial space 

community, is able to rapidly develop 

capabilities of interest to both the U.S. 

Government and the private sector.

Steve Jurczyk, Associate Administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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December 16, 2014: International Space Station Expedition 42 

Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore shows off a ratchet wrench 

made with the 3D printer oboard the orbiting lab. (Photo: NASA)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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November 12, 2013: Dr. Ou Ma (PI for T0084) of New Mexico State University (NMSU) is developing a robotics-based spacecraft onorbit inertia identification method. UP Aerospace SL-8 was the first suborbital test flight (of two) to test the technology. In the image, 

NMSU graduate student Gerardo Martinez shows the payload embedded in an UP Aerospace canister to the camera. (Photo: NASA)

Sustained investments in space technology advance the Agency’s 

space exploration, science and aeronautics capabilities. Since 

the Flight Opportunities Program has such a diverse portfolio of 

payloads, the range of technologies selected for testing have been 

broadly categorized across the application themes below.

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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 Get There 

 Land There 

 Live & Work There 

 Observe There 

Improve the ability to efficiently 

access and travel through space

Enable the capability of landing more mass, more 

accurately, in more locations throughout the solar system

Transform the ability to observe the universe and answer 

the profound questions in Earth and space sciences

Enhance the nation’s aerospace capabilities and 

ensure its continued technological leadership

Make it possible to live and work in 

deep space and on planetary bodies

 Invest Here 
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Getting There 

Access to, and the ability to operate in the space environment are key to being able to travel to other destinations. 58 of the 140 technology payloads address this theme. Since most other aspects of the space environment can be simulated on Earth (e.g. high vacuum, radiation), these payloads usually target microgravity (and 

lunar/Martian gravity) using parabolic and/or sRLV platforms.

 T# P/S/B^ Status Title/Organization

T0138-P 1 ACTIVE Reduced Gravity Flight Demonstration of SPHERES INSPECT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

T0084-S 1 ACTIVE Suborbital Test of a Robotics-Based Method for In-Orbit Identification of Spacecraft Inertia Properties

New Mexico State University

T0127-P 1 FY14 Reduced Gravity Flight Demo of SPHERES Universal Docking Ports

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

T0125-P 1 FY14 Human Exploration Telerobotics (HET) Smartphone

NASA/Ames Research Center

T0105-P 1 FY14 DYMAFLEX: DYnamic MAnipulation FLight EXperiment

University of Maryland

T0060-P 1 FY13* Dynamic and Static Behavior of a Flexible Fuel Hose in Zero-G

Jackson and Tull

T0009-P 2 FY12* Autonomous Robotic Capture

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Robotics is a broad area of research with multiple application areas. T0009 and T0060 focused on satellite servicing and were 

featured in the FY13 Annual Report. Knowledge gained during these tests is currently being used in on-orbit satellite servicing 

experiments onboard the ISS. Three other payloads (T0125, T0127, T0138) are suborbital risk reduction demonstrations for 

future use of the SPHERES robotic test-bed onboard the ISS. 

Robotics

^ P/S/B = number of completed payload-flights on Parabolic/sRLV/Balloon respectively. Usually the letter associated with 

 the T# designation uniquely identifies the targeted platform type. If ambiguous, flights are given by platform type.

Completed projects are colored and show the Fiscal Year in which the project was concluded.

* Featured in FY13 Annual Report
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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In order to allow efficient access to, and return from space, 

future commercial suborbital and orbital launch and re-entry 

systems need to be safely integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS). Together with the FAA, NASA is conducting increasingly complex demonstrations onboard 

balloons and suborbital reusable launch systems to demon-

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0106-B ACTIVE Low-Cost Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle (sRLV) Surrogate

GSSL Inc.

T0061-SB -/1/1 ACTIVE* Flight Testing of a UAT ADS-B Transmitter Prototype for Commercial Space Transportation Using sRLV

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

T0099-B 2 FY14 Satellite-Based ADS-B Operations Flight Test

GSSL Inc.

T0033-B 1 FY13* Flight Testing of UAT ADS-B Transmitter Prototype for Commercial Space Transportation

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

T0002-S 2 FY13* Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)

FAA Commercial Space Transportation

ADS-B Flight Testing

strate viability of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - 

Broadcast) technology beyond its current design altitude of 

60,000ft. The latest evaluation under T0099-B included two 

high altitude balloon flights to assess overhead reception of 

ADS-B signals from operational aircraft and ground stations 

by future satellite platforms. More detail on these test flights is 

provided on the following pages.

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0093-P 1 FY14 Wireless Strain Sensing System for Space Structural Health Monitoring

University of Texas, Arlington

T0038-SB -/1/1 FY14* Structural Health Monitoring for Commercial Space Vehicles

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Structural Health Monitoring

Integration of health monitoring technology into vehicles will improve the reliability of space systems. Two independent technology development efforts completed flight testing in FY14. Each of the teams is using the knowledge gained through these 

tests to inform further development and miniaturization of the health monitoring hardware.
October 11, 2013: Payload hang test with the TAMLACE payload inside the Small 

Balloon System (SBS) gondola. The 1090ES ADS-B transponder antenna can be seen 

underneath the gondola. It is suspended 6 feet below the gondola during flight.

(Photo: Near Space Corporation)

Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Satellite-based ADS-B Operations Flight Test (T0099)

Russ Dewey (PI)

Near Space Corporation

Nick Demidovich (Co-I)

FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation

Bruce Webbon (NASA Campaign Manager)

NASA/Ames Research Center

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a 

surveillance technology for tracking aircraft as part of the Next 

Generation Air Transportation System. ADS-B enhances safety by making an aircraft visible, real-time, to Air Traffic Control 

(ATC) and to other appropriately equipped ADS-B aircraft with 

position and velocity data transmitted every second. The United States will require the majority of aircraft operating within 

its airspace to be equipped with some form of ADS-B Out by 

January 1, 2020. 

The international aviation community is also currently migrating to ADS-B. One current limitation to the worldwide implementation of ADS-B is a lack of ground stations (and hence 

position broadcasts to other aircraft) over large transoceanic 

and polar areas that are critical to the commercial aviation 

marketplace. To incorporate these areas under the ADS-B 

‘umbrella’, there are plans to include ADS-B nodes on future 

satellite platforms, including both Iridium and GobalStar next 

generation satellites.

Flying a surrogate satellite ADS-B system

To date, there has been little testing of the efficacy of overhead collection as it applies to the ADS-B architecture. Near 

Space Corporation (NSC) and CNS Aviation Services therefore partnered to fly a surrogate satellite ADS-B system at high 

altitude to evaluate overhead reception of both Universal Access Transceiver (UAT; 978 MHz) and 1090 Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B signals from operational aircraft and ADS-B 

ground stations by future satellite platforms. Selected under 

AFO6, the Flight Opportunities Program awarded the team 

two NSC-provided balloon flights. CNS Aviation provided the 

Transportable ADS-B Multi Link Airborne Coverage Evaluator (TAMLACE) dual frequency ADS-B transceiver that was 

integrated with the balloon systems for the tests. The FAAAST Commercial Space Office sponsored CNS Aviation to 

modify the TAMLACE system to incorporate very high altitude 

GPS capabilities and an internal data recorder for all uplink 

and downlink ADS-B related messages on both 1090ES and 

978UAT systems. 

Two successful balloon flights

The first NSC balloon was launched on 5 December 2013 

from NSC’s Johnson Near Space Center (JNSC) in Tillamook, 

OR. The balloon reached an altitude of 95,000’ (29km) and 

remained at that altitude for 1.3 hours. The goal of this first 

test flight was to capture ADS-B broadcasts in real-time from 

both commercial and general aviation aircraft equipped with 

ADS-B transponders on both frequencies from well above 

the target aircraft, effectively simulating ADS-B reception from 

satellites. Overall results were very encouraging and showed 

that communications between the balloon-borne TAMLACE 

ADS-B package and the FAA network of Surveillance and 

Broadcast Service (SBS) ground stations was very good on 

both links. The test flight also marked the first time a 1090ES 

ADS-B signal from a high altitude platform had been received 

and processed “on the glass” at an FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center, “Seattle Center” in this case.

The data collected was compared by the FAA’s William J. 

Hughes Technical Center with ADS-B data that had been 

received in real-time by 18 ADS-B Ground Based Terminals 

(GBTs) that were within line of sight of the balloon, to evaluate its completeness and the efficiency of overhead ADS-B 

collection. The results showed excellent correlation between 

the data collected by the payload and that collected by GBTs. 

The payload detected ADS-B broadcasts from targets over 

300nm away, in excess of what was expected and well beyond the range that can be collected from the ground. The 
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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July 18, 2014: Recorded 1090ES and UAT traffic during the 

second balloon flight (300nmi area of solid tracks). Aircraft 

tracks shown in red with identification tag including ICAO 

code (International Civil Aviation Organization), altitude and 

timestamp. Balloon ground track shown as heavy black 

line. Hotspot above black line is Portland airport. Further 

north is Seattle airport. (Photo: CNS)

payload also continuously received Traffic Information ServiceBroadcasts (TIS-B) and Flight Information Service – Broadcasts (FIS-B) whenever it was within line-of-sight of a GBT.

On 18 July 2014, Near Space Corporation (NSC) successfully 

launched the second balloon from the Madras Regional Airport (OR). The second flight repeated the first flight’s success. 

It was specifically launched to collect data during the period 

of highest daily aviation air traffic density (10-11am PDT) as 

determined by the FAA’s Seattle Center.

Looking ahead

In summary, the overall results were very encouraging and 

showed that communications between the balloon borne 

TAMLACE payload and the FAA ground SBS network of 

ground stations was very good on both links. Air to Air ADSB reception range as seen by the payload’s 1090ES receiver 

was on the order 350 nm max range and the potential exists 

for longer range reception using a more sensitive 1090ES receiver. Lessons learned will support development and refinement of satellite-based ADS-B architectures which are particularly important for effective coverage of large open ocean 

areas with no ADS-B ground stations to enhance trans-oceanic air safety. Until satellite-based ADS-B is operational, a 

balloon-based capability could also be used (on-demand) to 

augment the existing ADS-B system. This would create the 

ability to track aircraft where there are currently gaps in ADS-B 

coverage, including coastal areas, trans-oceanic aircraft and 

mountainous regions where there are gaps in coverage below 

certain altitudes. Such a balloon-based system would be an 

enabling technology for a mobile range capability to enhance 

flight safety for launches from remote locations. This capability would augment/improve downrange surveillance capability 

for commercial spaceports and government ranges.
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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December 5, 2013: launch of the first balloon carrying the surrogate 

satellite-based ADS-B payload to an altitude of 95,000ft (29 km).

(Photo: Near Space Corporation)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

42

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0081-S ACTIVE Demonstration of Variable Radiator

Texas A&M University

T0073-S ACTIVE Radial Core Heat Spreader

NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0020-PS 2/-/- ACTIVE Microgravity Multi-Phase Flow Experiment for Suborbital Testing (MFEST)

NASA/Johnson Space Center

T0087-S PENDING Electric-hydrodynamic Control of Two-Phase Heat Transfer in Microgravity

New Jersey Institute of Technology

T0078-S PENDING Enhanced Thermal Switch

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

T0043-P 1 PENDING Parabolic Flight: Validation of Electro-Hydrodynamic Gas-Liquid Phase Separation in Microgravity

New Jersey Institute of Technology

T0091-P 1 FY14 Resilient Thermal Panel: Microgravity Effects on Isothermality of Structurally Embedded Two Dimensional Heat Pipes Air Force Research Laboratory

T0014-P 3 FY13* Heat Pipe Limits in Reduced Gravity Environments

NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0041-P 1 FY12 Effects of Reduced Gravity on Flow Boiling and Condensation

Purdue University

T0017-P 1 FY12 Iso-grid, Thermal-Structural Panel (IsoTherm)

Air Force Research Laboratory

T0011-P 4 FY12 Cryocooler Vibrational Characterization

Ad Astra Rocket Company

T0005-P 2 FY12 Advanced Two-Phase Heat Exchangers Design Tools

University of Maryland

T0006-P 1 FY11 Electric Field Effects on Pool Boiling Heat Transfer

University of Maryland

Thermal control is vital for any system designed to operate 

in the space environment. This is an active field of research 

to develop technologies to maintain (sub)systems within allowable temperature limits. To date, all completed flight tests 

for thermal control systems were performed using parabolic 

flight, with five of the six remaining payloads targeting an sRLV 

platform. A similar pattern can be observed across most areas, hinting both at a natural progression in the research and 

the limited availability of sRLV flights to date.

Starting from the earliest completed activity (bottom of table), 

data gathered from T0006 was used in combination with 

data from the MABE experiment onboard the ISS to quantify 

Thermal Control

changes to boiling heat transfer relative to gravitational acceleration. Results of this research were published in 2012 (see 

publications on pages 86/87). Additional research on flow 

boiling was conducted under T0005 and continues outside of 

Flight Opportunities. The cryocooler characterization (T0011) 

was successfully completed and feeds into the design of the 

Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) 

by the Ad Astra Rocket Company. Two other thermal control 

efforts led to additional technology development and further 

flight testing. The Air Force research conducted under T0017 

led to T0091 and the NASA research under T0014 led to 

T0073.
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0128-S ACTIVE Zero-gravity Green Propellant Management Technology

Purdue University

T0123-P 1 ACTIVE Microgravity Propellant Gauging Using Modal Analysis

Carthage College

T0109-P ACTIVE Advanced Optical Mass Gauge

Mass Dynamix, Inc.

T0086-S ACTIVE Saturated Fluid Pistonless Pump Technology Demonstrator

University of Colorado

T0035-S ACTIVE Near-Zero Gravity Cryogenic Line Chilldown Experiment in a Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle

University of Florida

T0024-S ACTIVE RF Gauging of the Liquid Oxygen Tank on sRLV

NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0021-S 1 ACTIVE Application of controlled vibrations to multiphase systems

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya / University of Alabama, Huntsville

T0003-PS 2/-/- ACTIVE On-Orbit Propellant Storage Stability

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

T0039-P PENDING Fuel Mass Gauging Based on Electrical Capacitance Volumetric Tomography Techniques

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

T0136-P 1 FY14 Dragon V2 Propellant Management Device Microgravity Validation

Space Exploration Technologies

T0007-P 2 FY11 Radio Frequency Mass Gauge on Parabolic Flights

NASA/Glenn Research Center

Long duration spaceflight relies on the efficient use and management of propellants. One important aspect of propellant 

management is the development of accurate and robust 

methods of mass gauging in both settled and unsettled propellant states. The traditional way to gauge the amount of 

propellants in a low-gravity environment is to ‘settle’ the liquid in the tanks by accelerating the vehicle (which acts like a 

gravity vector to concentrate the liquid at the ‘bottom’ of the 

tank) and measuring the liquid level. This can, however, lead 

to inaccuracies, resulting in the need for additional propellant 

mass to cover the uncertainty. Novel ways to gauge propellant 

Propellant Management

levels in low-gravity environments through RF, modal analysis and optical means show promise and have been (or are 

scheduled to be) flight tested on parabolic microgravity flights. 

T0007 has successfully concluded parabolic flight testing and 

is currently awaiting an opportunity to continue on an sRLV 

under T0024. Several other propellant mass gauging-related 

subsystems are scheduled for demonstration on both parabolic and sRLV flights (T0039, T0109, T0123). Other propellant management technologies listed include a new propellant 

management device by SpaceX (T0136) and a new technology for controlling multiphase flows using controlled harmonic 

vibrations (T0021).
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Most of the completed (colored) projects listed below have 

successfully launched to orbit or are scheduled for launch. 

T0032 was launched in November 2013, T0065 was operated onboard the ISS, T0089 was deployed from the ISS into 

Cubesats

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0133-P 1 ACTIVE Payload Separation Performance of a New 6U CubeSat Canisterized Satellite Dispenser

Air Force Research Laboratory

T0119-S ACTIVE Inductively Coupled Electromagnetic (ICE) Thruster System Development for Small Spacecraft Propulsion MSNW LLC

T0116-S ACTIVE Operational Demonstration of the MPS-120 CubeSat High-impulse Adaptable Modular Propulsion 

System Aerojet General Corporation

T0088-S ACTIVE An FPGA-based, Radiation Tolerant, Reconfigurable Computer System with Real Time Fault Detection, 

Avoidance, and Repair Montana State University

T0083-S ACTIVE Design and Development of a Micro Satellite Attitude Control System

State University of New York, Buffalo

T0056-P ACTIVE UAH ChargerSat - 2 Parabolic Flight Testing

University of Alabama, Huntsville

T0120-S PENDING Advanced Hybrid Rocket Motor Propulsion Unit for CubeSats (PUC)r

The Aerospace Corporation

T0118-S PENDING Iodine RF Ion Thruster Development

Busek Co. Inc.

T0117-S PENDING 1U CubeSat Green Propulsion System with Post-Launch Pressurization

Busek Co. Inc.

T0130-P 1 FY14 Reinventing the wheel: parabolic flight validation of reaction spheres

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

T0101-P 1 FY14 Testing a CubeSat Attitude Control System in Microgravity Conditions

University of Central Florida

T0096-P 2 FY14 Testing the Deployment and Rollout of the DragEN Electrodynamic Tether for CubeSats

Saber Astronautics Australia Pty. Ltd.

T0089-P 1 FY14 Technology Maturation of a Dual-Spinning CubeSat Bus

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

T0055-P 1 FY14 Structural Dynamics Test of STACER Antenna Deployment in Microgravity

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

T0047-P 3 FY14 Boston University Student Proposal for Deployable Solar and Antenna Array Microgravity Testing

Boston University

T0065-P 1 FY13* Reduced Gravity Flight Demonstration of the Resonant Inductive Near-field Generation System (RINGS)

University of Maryland

T0032-P 1 FY12 UAH CubeSat Parabolic Flight Testing

University of Alabama, Huntsville

low-Earth orbit and T0047 is a competitor in the Air Force 

“University Nanosat Program” (UNP). Of the nine active/pending payloads, seven were selected at a TRL-3 level through 

NRA1/NRA2 where ground-based development was factored into the timeline.
February 27, 2014: University of Florida researcher Nick Pelaez (T0101) observes a Cubesat 

prototype in free flight during one of the parabolas of the RGO-13 campaign.The objective of this 

test flight was to test a cubesat attitude control system that relies on two magnetic induction coils 

mounted on orthogonal sides of the cubesat. These coils interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, 

resulting in rotation of the cubesat to a desired orientation. (Photo: NASA/Bill Stafford)

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Space Technology Mission Directorate

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June 20, 2014: Integration of the Astrobotic 

payload onto the Xombie vehicle at the 

Masten Space Systems office in Mojave, CA. 

(Photo: NASA/Ken Ulbrich)
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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 Landing There

Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL) is an important cross-cutting technology in which NASA has invested across 

multiple STMD programs. EDL testing conducted through Flight Opportunities ranges from low-altitude descent and landing using lander testbeds, to high-altitude release and descent from balloons, and suborbital 

re-entry and descent after ejection from an sRLV.

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0139-S ACTIVE ADEPT

NASA/Ames Research Center

T0115-S ACTIVE EDL Technology Development for the Maraia Earth Return Capsule

NASA/Johnson Space Center

T0075-S ACTIVE Exo-Atmosperic Aerobrake

NASA/Ames Research Center

T0066-B 1 ACTIVE Guided Parafoil High Altitude Research

Airborne Systems North America of CA, Inc.

T0064-B ACTIVE Deployable Rigid Adjustable Guided Final Landing Approach Pinions (DRAG FLAPs)

Masten Space Systems Inc.

T0137-S ACTIVE Fuel Optimal and Accurate Landing System Test Flights

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0121-S ACTIVE Flyover Mapping and Modeling of Terrain Features

Carnegie Mellon University

T0098-S ACTIVE Navigation Doppler Lidar Sensor Demonstration for Precision Landing on Solar System Bodies 

NASA/Langley Research Center

T0034-S ACTIVE Terrain Relative Navigation Descent Imager (TRNDI)

Draper Laboratory

T0067-S 3 FY14 Autolanding for Robotic Precursor Missions

Astrobotic Technology, Inc.

T0068-S 2 FY13* Fuel Optimal Large Divert Guidance for Planetary Pinpoint Landing (G-FOLD)

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0016-S 5 FY13* Guidance Embedded Navigator Integration Environment (GENIE)

Draper Laboratory

 Low-altitude Descent & Landing

 High Altitude Release & Descent

 Suborbital Re-entry & Descent
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Autolanding for Robotic Precursors (T0067)

Kevin Peterson (PI) and Lauren Schneider

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. 

Nathan O’Konek & Kellie Gerardi

Masten Space Systems

Chris Baker (NASA Campaign Manager)

NASA/Armstrong Flight Research Center

On June 20, 2014, an autonomous autolanding system developed by Astrobotic Technology Inc. successfully commanded a propulsive lander to a safe landing in a hazard field 

at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Using cameras and feature 

recognition algorithms to match terrain observed beneath 

the rocket with an onboard map of the area, the Astrobotic 

Autolanding System (AAS) was able to independently determine the vehicle’s location within a few meters (yards) and 

land safely on the ground. The AAS used a LIDAR to create 

a three-dimensional scan of the surface during descent (see 

image on the left), then mapped out the location of objects 

larger than 25 centimeters (10 inches) and selected a clear 

section of the target landing area. The technology behind the 

AAS extends a decade of cutting edge robotics research by 

Astrobotic partner Carnegie Mellon University in autonomous 

ground vehicles and helicopters. This capstone flight was the 

third in a series of AAS flights on Masten Space Systems’ XA0.1B Xombie vehicle that were funded by Flight Opportunities.

Interesting terrain is challenging terrain

Robotic missions today target the center of large, statistically 

safe landing areas. However, many targets of scientific interest are located in terrain with challenging topography such as 

currently inaccessible areas on Mars, the Moon or the jagged, 

icy surface of Europa. In order to land safely at these sites, the 

spacecraft requires knowledge of its location relative to the 

target and the ability to detect and react to surface hazards 

as it approaches for landing. NASA, Astrobotic and others 

seek to demonstrate new capabilities for precision landing 

and autonomous hazard avoidance to enable future missions 

to access these new areas for exploration.

Google Lunar XPRIZE and the Lacus Mortis lava plain

Astrobotic, along with partner Carnegie Mellon University, 

plans to launch a robotic lunar mission that will attempt to 

explore a pit in the Moon’s Lacus Mortis (“Lake of Death”) 

lava plain and claim the Google Lunar XPRIZE. Astrobotic is 

targeting the pit because it is a high-value target that could 

yield valuable data for scientific discovery and future exploration. In addition to the 100m wide pit, imagery from orbiting 

spacecraft has revealed other challenging terrain features in 

the intended landing area, including several large craters and 

a rille. Moreover, it is expected that Lacus Mortis will be strewn 

with rocks and other hazards too small to be visible in existing 

satellite imagery. This mission will therefore require the Astrobotic spacecraft to overfly the Lacus Mortis pit to land safely, 

and precisely, near its edge.

Astrobotic Autolanding System (AAS)

The Astrobotic Autolanding System (AAS) will use a technique known as Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) to navigate 

precisely above the lunar surface. TRN uses sensor systems 

and feature recognition software to match observed terrain 

with a preloaded map. The AAS combines inertial measurements and map registration of imagery captured by onboard 

cameras to determine a spacecraft’s position relative to the 

surface. Already used for military applications in GPS-denied 

environments, TRN is essential for accurate landing of spacecraft beyond Earth and its orbiting GPS constellation. 

June 20, 2014: Composite view of the Mojave desert seen though the Astrobotic landing sensors mounted on the Masten Xombie vehicle. 

The Astrobotic system uses sensor input, including the LIDAR elevation data seen here, to identify safe landing areas. Two of the three Masten 

landing pads are visible as square shaped slight color variations on the right side of the image. Sandbags placed to simulate rocks and other 

small hazards are visible as small dots around the pads. The larger elevation changes seen are caused by bushes and a safety barricade. 

(Photo: Astrobotic Technology)
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Space Technology Mission Directorate

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June 20, 2014: The Xombie lander after touch down on one of the two open landing pads at the Mojave 

Air and Space Port. The central landing pad (foreground) and the cleared area around the three pads 

was set with sandbags to simulate rocks and other landing hazards. (Photo: NASA/Ken Ulbrich)
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Precisely targeting a location that avoids large obstacles from 

altitude is only part of the solution. To land safely in rough 

terrain, a robotic vehicle must be aware of, and react to, the 

smaller scale features of landscape beneath it. During the final descent to the lunar surface, the AAS will use a LIDAR 

to create a three-dimensional point cloud of the target landing area. The system assembles this surface scan to reveal 

rocks, ditches, steep slopes, and other potential hazards to 

the lander. From these data, the AAS autonomously identifies 

and selects a portion of the target area that is free of impediments to a safe landing.

Simulating the lunar landing on Earth

One of the challenges in developing hardware and software 

to land a spacecraft is finding ways to test the system in a 

relevant operational environment before it leaves the Earth. 

Gantry systems, helicopters, and supersonic aircraft fulfill 

vital roles in evaluating how a new technology will perform 

in specific portions of a landing trajectory, but there are few 

true terrestrial analogs of a lunar or Martian landing. Prior to 

the flights on Xombie, the technologies behind the AAS were 

matured through autonomous helicopter landings, small roLAVA TUBES 

Lava tube caves are formed by volcanic activity; the top layer of a channel of lava cools and forms a crust, leaving a void 

space when the hotter lava in the center of the channel flows out. These caves typically form close to the surface and can 

range from a single tube to a complex labyrinth that can extend for miles. Skylights, formed by cave ceiling collapse, can 

provide entrance into these caves. Signs of ancient volcanic activity are prevalent on the Moon. Several skylights have been 

characterized from orbital image data. Astrobotic is planning a mission to land and explore near a potential skylight in the 

Lacus Mortis region. Lacus Mortis is located in a plain of basaltic lava flow with winding valleys (sinuous rilles) believed to be 

collapsed lava tubes.

In April 2012, two pits (one a potential skylight) in Lacus Mortis were identified by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter 

Camera (LROC). Imagery from lunar orbit shows that one pit has a partially collapsed wall that may form a ramp traversable 

by a robotic rover, potentially providing access to a collapsed lava bubble or part of a network of dried lava tubes from the 

Moon’s early history. Scientific investigation of lava tube caves can yield discoveries related to cave morphology, formation 

mechanisms, mineral and volatile concentrations, and astrobiology.

EXPLORATION BEYOND THE MOON

Advanced landing capabilities like those demonstrated by the AAS are needed to enable new science and exploration 

missions beyond the Moon. Precision landing is necessary for multi-mission scenarios such as landing a samplereturn spacecraft near a Mars rover, or cargo and supplies near a manned expedition. 

The combination of precision landing with hazard detection and avoidance also opens up new destinations for exploration. Martian terrain features like mountains and canyons have high value in revealing the geological history of 

the planet, but are challenging targets for landing. Each Mars mission makes tradeoffs between safety and science. 

Advanced landing capabilities would not address safety issues such as dust depth or sufficient solar power, but would 

greatly relax other safety constraints such as rock density and slope.

Other challenges come from a lack of accurate a priori knowledge of the surface, such as when landing on an unmapped asteroid or in an environment with shifting surface features. For example, when contemplating missions to 

the surface of Europa, where the ice re-forms and the topography will change between a mapping mission and a 

landing mission, the necessity of new autonomous landing technologies is apparent.
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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torcraft flight, and simulation. However, before the work began 

on implementing the AAS with space-rated sensors and avionics, Astrobotic sought to conduct an end-to-end validation of the 

AAS’ precision guidance and hazard detection capabilities in an 

environment relevant to their intended lunar landing. 

To evaluate the AAS during the propulsive lander flight tests, Astrobotic and Masten collaborated on a framework that enabled 

two of the flights to take place without prior knowledge of exactly 

where the rocket would choose to land. As the vehicle descended from a 260 meter (853 foot) apogee and moved downrange 

toward the landing area, the AAS scanned the ground with its 

LIDAR to map objects larger than 25 centimeters (10 inches) and 

select a safe touchdown point in the target area. Because much 

of the cleared landing area would look safe to a system designed 

to touchdown on the lunar surface, engineers placed sand bags 

as mock hazards to corral the vehicle towards the three concrete 

landing pads. To further exercise the AAS, the center landing pad, 

which Xombie was targeting at launch, was deliberately fouled by 

placing sand bags around its edges. This left the other two pads 

as the only locations in the target area free of hazards.

Using an onboard safety system that monitored input from the 

AAS, Astrobotic and Masten were able to realistically test the system by leaving it free to choose any location for landing. If the AAS 

selected a landing point other than one of the two open pads, 

Masten software would override the prototype system to land 

the vehicle safely. These successful tests made possible by Flight 

Opportunities has enabled Astrobotic to begin work on a spacerated version of the AAS system for their commercial lunar lander.

Extension to future NASA missions

Systems capable of precisely navigating a lander to a specific 

target and then autonomous selecting a safe landing location 

near that target are critical to enabling missions to destinations 

with challenging topography and limited communication. In April 

of 2014, NASA announced selection of three U.S. companies, 

including Astrobotic and Masten, to partner with the Agency under the NASA Lunar Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft 

Touchdown (Lunar CATALYST) initiative. This activity seeks to advance lander capabilities for delivery of payloads to the surface 

of the Moon. Commercial lunar transportation capabilities could 

support science and exploration objectives such as sample returns, geophysical network deployment, resource prospecting, 

and technology advancements. NASA is also studying the potential use of Terrain Relative Navigation on the Mars 2020 mission 

to allow the rover to land closer to sites of high scientific interest.
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June 20, 2014: The combined Masten/Astrobotic team. From left to right: Kerry Snyder, 

Steve McGuire, Neal Bhasin, Scott Nietfeld, Nick Robbins, Travis O’Neal, Dennis Poulos, Joey 

Oberholtzer, Jeff Gibson, Kevin Peterson, David Masten, Tyler Roberson, Ben Dagang, Nathan 

O’Konek, Kyle Nyberg, Wennie Tabib, Reuben Garcia, and Aaron Acton (Photo: NASA/Ken Ulbrich)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

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Living & Working There 

Technologies to enable humans to live and work in deep space and on planetary bodies is an important 

theme in the Program’s portfolio. To date, payloads in this area have largely targeted parabolic flight because 

it is currently the only platform that allows for human operators and human test subjects to be onboard.

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0135-P 1 ACTIVE Testing ON-OFF Gecko Adhesive Grippers in Microgravity

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0079-S ACTIVE Autonomous Flight Manager for Human-in-the-Loop Immersive Simulation and Flight Test of Terrestrial 

Rockets Draper Laboratory

T0059-P 1 ACTIVE On the performance of a nanocatalyst-based direct ammonia alkaline fuel cell (DAAFC) under microgravity conditions for water reclamation and energy applications University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras

T0052-S ACTIVE Collection of Regolith Experiment (CORE) on a Commercial Suborbital Vehicle

University of Central Florida

T0036-S ACTIVE Collisions Into Dust Experiment on a Commercial Suborbital Vehicle

University of Central Florida

T0008-P 4 ACTIVE Indexing Media Filtration System

Aerfil (with NASA/Glenn Research Center)

T0045-P 1 PENDING Evaporative Heat Transfer Mechanisms within a Heat Melt Compactor (EHeM HMC) Experiment

NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0108-P 1 FY14 Demonstration of Food Processing Equipment

Makel Engineering, Inc.

T0029-P 2 FY14 Physics of Regolith Impacts in Microgravity Experiment

University of Central Florida

T0070-P 1 FY13* Portable Fire Extinguisher

NASA/Johnson Space Center (with ADA Technologies)

T0040-P 2 FY13 Microgravity Effects of Nanoscale Mixing on Diffusion Limited Processes Using Electrochemical Electrodes University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras

T0019-S 1 FY13* Diapason

DTM Technologies

T0010-P 1 FY11* Validation of a Fine Water Mist Fire Extinguisher

ADA Technologies

Space Habitation & Work Environments

After a series of successful parabolic flight tests, a novel fire 

suppression system for the ISS is scheduled for launch to 

the Station in 2015/2016 (T0010/T0070). The Italian nanoparticle migration and capture device Diapason successfully 

concluded ISS testing in combination with a suborbital flight 

test in June 2013 (T0019). T0040/T0059 represents ongoing 

research as part of a Next Generation Life Support System 

under development in the STMD Game Changing Development program. Research on dust and regolith by University of 

Central Florida PI Josh Colwell aims to collect data on accretion of dust in microgravity to both inform models of early solar 

system formation and help with dust mitigation methods for 

future operations on moons, asteroids, and other solar system bodies (T0029/T0036/T0052).
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

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Human Health

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0132-P 1 ACTIVE Effects of Microgravity on Intracranial Pressure

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

T0131-P ACTIVE Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensors for ISS (EDLS-ISS) Operational Feasibility for ARED

Aurora Flight Sciences

T0110-P 1 ACTIVE Wet Lab

NASA/Ames Research Center

T0057-P 1 ACTIVE Hybrid Ultimate Lifting Kit (HULK) Device Demonstration during Parabolic Flight

NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0049-P 2 ACTIVE Parabolic Flight Evaluation of a Hermetic Surgery System for Reduced Gravity

University of Louisville

T0027-P 1 ACTIVE Autonomous Cell Culture Apparatus for Growing 3-Dimensional Tissues in Microgravity

NASA/Johnson Space Center

T0104-PS PENDING Real Time Conformational Analysis of Rhodopsin using Plasmon Waveguide Resonance Spectroscopy

University of Arizona

T0062-P PENDING In-Flight Lab Analysis Technology Demonstration in Reduced Gravity

NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0058-P PENDING Assessing Otolith-Organ Function with Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) in Parabolic 

Flight Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

T0134-P 1 FY14 Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Microgravity, Phase II (Arterial Stiffness)

Stanford University

T0103-P 1 FY14 Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Microgravity

Wyle Laboratories

T0094-P 1 FY14 Monitoring Tissue Oxygen Saturation in Microgravity

University of Oxford

T0090-P 1 FY14 Testing Near-Infrared Neuromonitoring Devices for Detecting Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Parabolic Flight Massachusetts General Hospital

T0031-P 3 FY14 Activity Monitoring during Parabolic Flight

University of Washington

T0030-P 1 FY14 Microgravity Health Care

Henry Ford Health System

T0025-P 3 FY14 Assessing Vestibulo-ocular Function and Spatial Orientation in Parabolic Flight

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

T0051-P 2 FY13 Non-Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Microgravity

Stanford University

T0048-P 2 FY13 Effects of Reduced and Hyper Gravity on Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Instrumentation NASA/Glenn Research Center

T0026-P 2 FY13* Evaluation of Medical Chest Drainage System

Orbital Medicine, Inc.

T0013-P 3 FY13 Monitoring Radiation-Induced DNA Degradation

NASA/Kennedy Space Center

T0028-P 1 FY12 Demonstration of non-invasive acquisition of physiologic variables from spaceflight participants

The Vital Space Team
Space Technology Mission Directorate

56

Human Health (previous page)

Long duration human health in space is the single largest category of payloads in the Program, with many of the payloads 

relating to ongoing research funded by NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP). Several of these payloads were reflown across multiple campaigns to gather more test data or, 

in some cases, to make adjustments after hardware failures 

Materials Development & 3D Printing

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0100-P 1 ACTIVE Creation of Titanium-Based Nanofoams in Reduced Gravity for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Production

Northwestern University

T0004-PS 4/-/- ACTIVE* Printing the Space Future

Made in Space, Inc.

T0044-P 1 PENDING Sintering of Composite Materials under Reduced Gravity Conditions

Advanced Technical Institute I.T.I.S “E. Fermi”, Italy

New materials and 3D printing are promising areas of research onboard the ISS for which suborbital flight testing continues to 

serve as a valuable risk reduction precursor. 

Plant Science

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0140-P 1 ACTIVE Lunar Plants

NASA/Ames Research Center

T0053-S ACTIVE* Validating Telemetric Imaging Hardware for Crew-Assisted and Crew-Autonomous Biological Imaging in 

Suborbital Applications University of Florida

T0012-P 4 FY14* Telemetric Biological Imaging 

University of Florida

T0012/T0053 is an example of repurposing flight hardware originally designed for the Space Shuttle to be used onboard suborbital and parabolic vehicles. As featured in the FY13 Annual Report, the objective of this hardware is to study the effect of the 

early onset of microgravity on gene expression in plants. After several iterations on parabolic flight, the hardware is currently 

ready and awaiting an opportunity to be flown onboard an sRLV. The Lunar Plants project (T0140) was selected from the STMD 

Center Innovation Fund (CIF) and aims to grow the first plants on the Moon. It is targeted to fly to the Moon onboard one of the 

Google Lunar XPRIZE contestants. Parabolic flight testing serves as risk reduction for this mission.

during earlier campaigns. For this type of research, a measure of success is the number of published papers (papers 

are listed on pages 86/87). As in other categories, parabolic 

flight here also provides a valuable risk reduction precursor 

for hardware scheduled to be sent to the International Space 

Station.
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

57

November 20, 2013: NASA is currently addressing spaceflight-induced visual 

impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) through medical operations monitoring as 

well as through research activities. A component of these activities is the visualization 

of the crewmembers’ retinas in-flight. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows 

high resolution imaging of the retinal surface, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and 

other functions including choroid thickness analysis. With this experiment, a research 

team including Douglas Ebert (PI for T0103, left), David Ham (right) and David Alexander 

(not shown) evaluated alternate OCT hardware configurations in microgravity, including 

ergonomic and operational considerations for each configuration. The “free float” OCT 

scanning technique shown in this image has since been successfully used on the ISS for data 

collection for the Fluid Shifts ISS flight experiment. (Photo: NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

58

July 29, 2014: Vladimir Arutyunov (left) tests the adhesive Gecko Gripper (T0135) on a 

10 kg test mass during parabolic flight. Gecko adhesives use hundreds of thousands 

of microscopic hairs to engage a surface and stick using van der Waals forces. 

The same structures can be found on the toes of gecko lizards. This critical 

demonstration successfully matured the technology to a point where the 

grippers are ready for long duration testing in zero gravity, such as 

aboard the International Space Station. (Photo: NASA/James Blair)
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

59

August 19, 2014: Stanford researcher Richard Wiard (left) and Principal Investigator Gregory Kovacs (T0134, center) are suspended in free 

fall, strapped into experimental hardware monitoring their ballistocardiogram (BCG). The BCG is a noninvasive method of hemodynamic 

monitoring that measures the force due to the ejection of blood by the heart with each heartbeat. When a subject’s feet are tightly mounted 

to the scale with boot bindings, the small force caused by each heartbeat can be sensed. (Photo: NASA/James Blair)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

60

April 23, 2013: Andreas Zoellner (left) and Eric Hultgren of Stanford University observe the Caging System for 

Drag-free Satellites (T0063). The free-flying experiment tested the design of a caging mechanism (launch lock) 

for deployment of a drag-free test mass in microgravity. (Photo: NASA/Lauren Harnett)
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

61

 Observing There 

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0126-P ACTIVE Validating Microgravity Mobility Models for Hopping/Tumbling Robots

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0124-B ACTIVE Gannon University’s Cosmic-Ray Calorimeter (GU-CRC)

Gannon University

T0097-B 1 ACTIVE Planetary Atmosphere Minor Species Sensor

University of Central Florida

T0092-S ACTIVE Precision Formation Flying Sensor

University of Colorado

T0050-B ACTIVE Flight Demonstration of an Integrated Camera and Solid-State Fine Steering System

Southwest Research Institute

T0114-S PENDING Technology Demonstration of Graphene Ion Membranes for Earth and Space Applications

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

T0113-B PENDING Focal Plane Actuation to Achieve Ultra-High Resolution on Suborbital Balloon Payloads

Arizona State University

T0111-S PENDING Rocket Flight of a Delta-Doped CCD Focal Plane Array for CHESS

Arizona State University

T0102-P 1 PENDING Demonstration of Adjustable Fluidic Lens in Microgravity

University of Arizona

T0085-S PENDING SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform

Southwest Research Institute

T0076-S PENDING Demonstration of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nano-tubes for Earth Climate Remote Sensing

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

T0063-P 1 FY13 Caging System for Drag-free Satellites

Stanford University

The value of suborbital flight in transforming the ability to observe the universe and answer the profound 

questions in Earth and space sciences comes in many different forms. Traditional uses of balloons and 

sounding rockets include flight demonstrations to mature scientific instrumentation and to perform shortduration outward facing scientific observations above the more dense layers of the atmosphere. 

Of the 19 payloads in this category, eleven can be considered 

to fit under scientific instrumentation development (see below). Three payloads will test new high-precision instrument 

pointing systems for future balloon flights (T0050, T0113) and 

sRLV missions (T0085). Other payloads are planning to test 

promising new materials or key subsystems that will enable 

future science missions (e.g. T0063, T0076, T0114). T0092 

aims to use one of Masten’s VTVL vehicles to test a new navigation device that will enable precision alignment of spacecraft 

over large distances in deep space, a capability necessary to 

enable a future ‘starshade’ mission to perform spectroscopy 

of Earth-like planets as far away as 60 light years from Earth.

Scientific instrumentation
Space Technology Mission Directorate

62

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0129-P 1 ACTIVE Testing of a Microgravity Rock Coring Drill Using Microspines

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0122-P 1 FY14 Microgravity Experiment on Accretion in Space Environments

University of Central Florida

T0037-P 1 FY13 Particle Dispersion System for Microgravity Environments

SETI Institute

T0042-P 1 FY12* OSIRIS-REx Low-Gravity Regolith Sampling Tests

Lockheed Martin Inc.

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0022-S ACTIVE Environment monitoring suite on sRLV

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

T0015-S ACTIVE Electromagnetic Field Measurements on sRLV 

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

T0046-S PENDING Polar Mesospheric Cloud Imaging and Tomography Experiment

Space Science Institute

T0023-S PENDING Measurement of the Atmospheric Background in the Mesosphere

Silicon Valley Space Center

In-situ measurements of the upper atmosphere

Microgravity testing of science and exploration instruments 

One of the original promises of the new reusable suborbital platforms is their ability to perform in-situ measurements and observations in the Earth’s mesosphere and lower thermosphere (~50-120 km). This section of the Earth atmosphere has earned the 

nickname ‘ignorosphere’ because of the inability to reach it without a rocket. It is too high for weather balloons and too low for 

satellites to dip down to gather information. Four payloads that were selected early on in the Program are developing technology 

that will enable this new field of research.

August 22, 2014: Principal Investigator Aaron Parness (T0129) looks 

down on the microgravity rock coring drill as the C9 aircraft goes 

through a parabolic maneuver. (Photo: NASA/James Blair)
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

63
Space Technology Mission Directorate

64
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

65

 Investing Here 

 T# P/S/B Status Title/Organization

T0112-S ACTIVE Spacecraft Disturbance Isolation and Rejection Platform (SDIRP)

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0095-SB -/1/1 ACTIVE Test of Satellite Communications Systems on-board Suborbital Platforms to Provide Low-Cost Data 

Communications for Research Payloads, Payload Operators, and Space Vehicle Operators SatWest

T0080-S ACTIVE Advanced Micro Sun Sensor

NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory

T0077-S 1 ACTIVE Facility for Microgravity Research and Submicroradian Stabilization using sRLVs

Controlled Dynamics Inc

T0054-B 1 ACTIVE Stratospheric Parabolic Flight Technology

Purdue University

T0001-PS 1/2/- ACTIVE Suborbital Flight Environment Monitor (SFEM)

NASA/Ames Research Center

T0082-S PENDING Dynamic Microscopy System

Techshot, Inc.

T0069-S 2 FY14 Global Positioning Beacon (GPB)

Kirtland AFB

T0071-S 1 FY13 New Mexico Student Groups #1 and #2 for SL-7

New Mexico Space Grant Consortium

Every technology payload flown represents an investment in the U.S. suborbital industry. The additional nine 

payloads listed below represent a variety of unique technology developments and capability enhancements 

for suborbital vehicles. The Vibration Isolation Platform (VIP, T0077) was originally selected by the Game 

Changing Development (GCD) program under NRA1 to increase the quality of the microgravity environment 

for research payloads flying on suborbital vehicles. Controlled Dynamics has also engaged in a Phase II SBIR 

with NASA/JPL to develop elements of the system into an isolation platform for deep-space optical communications. The VIP was subsequently selected by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space 

(CASIS) to provide a controlled acceleration environment for experiments onboard the International Space 

Station where vibrations from life support and other machinery impact the quality of the microgravity.

The Vibration Isolation Platform (VIP) depicted 

inside a standard-sized middeck locker (T0077).

(Photo: Controlled Dynamics)
Space Technology Mission Directorate

66
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

67

Program Metrics

FY11-14

July 25, 2014: Members of a team lead by Principal Investigator Michael Schubert of Johns Hopkins University School of 

Medicine (T0025-P) test their ability to maintain eye position during varying gravity levels. Exposure to novel gravitational 

environments elicits alterations in sensorimotor responses, such as changes in coordinated head-and-eye movements and 

variations in spatial perception and memory. Functional consequences include an impaired ability to read, disorientation, 

dizziness, postural and locomotor disturbances, and motion sickness. The goal of this research is to develop a portable 

hand-held device that measures sensory and motor function. It addresses a specific request from NASA to enable a single 

test subject (crewmember) to assess his/her sensorimotor function in no more than 20 minutes. (Photo: NASA/James Blair)
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 

FY11 FY12 FY13 FY 

FY11- FY16 Overview of Flight Activities and Payload Solicitations

REUSABLE SUBORBITAL*

BALLOONS

PARABOLIC

Zero Gravity Corporation

Near Space Corporation

World View Enterprises

Armadillo Aerospace

Virgin Galactic

Whittinghill Aerospace

XCOR Aerospace

UP Aerospace

Masten Space Systems EDL

uG

uG

uG

uG

uG

uG

HA

Supply

HA

: Commercial Flight Services Demand: Technology Payloads

IDIQ1 

IDIQ1

IDIQ1

IDIQ1

IDIQ1

IDIQ1

IDIQ1

August 9, 2011 August 2012 end of year 1 

August 2013 end of IDIQ1 

RGO

1

RGO

2

RGO

3

RGO

13

RGO

12

RGO

5

RGO

6

RGO

7 RGO

11

RGO

9

RGO

10

RGO

8

RGO

4 

FY08-14: Zero Gravity Corporation was managed by NASA/JSC Reduced Gravity Office

SBS

1

SBS

3

NBS

1

NBS

2

HASS

1

UP

1

UP

2

UP

3

XOM

1

XOM

2

XOM

4

XOM

3

DIR. USIP +4

AFO1 +16 

AFO2 +9 

AFO3 +24 

AFO4 +2 

AFO5 +13 

AFO6 +21 

AFO7 +0 

AFO8 

Although Masten Space Systems was part of IDIQ1, pre-existing 

contract mechanisms were used to fly NASA payloads in FY11-14

HEOMD

Four of the seven 

companies were not 

able to provide flight 

services for the 

program during the 

IDIQ1 contract period

SMD

+2 +3 +1 +1 +1 

+1

DIR. +3 DIR. DIR. DIR. DIR. DIR. 

COMPETITIVELY SELECTED BY

Other NASA Mission Directorates

NRA1 w/ GCD App. A +14 NRA2 w/ GCD App. E +10 other STMD programs

 FO internal

Publically solicited

through Flight Opportunities

(may include NASA PIs)

One-time solicitation for a 

short-term ride-share 

opportunity to LEO

Space Technology Mission Directorate

68
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

14 FY15 FY16

IDIQ2

IDIQ2

IDIQ2

IDIQ2

September 8, 2014

release: Nov 26, 2014

release: Oct 30, 2014

end of year 1 / onramp opportunity end of year 2 / onramp opportunity end of IDIQ2

RGO

14

RGO

15

RGO

16

RFI

RFI/AO initiated for Commercial Capabilities Development for Reusable Suborbital and Small Spacecraft Orbital Launchers

(in collaboration with Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program)

TOTAL of 140 payloads @ end of FY14

RFI/RFP process initiated for commercial Microgravity Flight Services (MFS). Parabolic flights in FY15 are serviced by the NASA C9 aircraft

SBS

2

SBS

5

SBS

8 

XOM

5

PRIMARY RELEVANT ENVIRONMENT

 EDL : Entry, Descent & Landing

 HA : Long Duration High Altitude Exposure & Descent

 uG : Microgravity (also lunar/Martian for parabolic)

ZGC Boeing 727

NASA/C9

RGO

RGO

SpaceLoft XL

Xombie

UP

XOM

Nano Balloon System

Small Balloon System

High Altitude Shuttle System

NBS

SBS

HASS

SPACETECH REDDI-F1 NRA tbd 

+13 

ZGC contract ended 

June 30, 2014. Last two 

FY14 campaigns flown 

using the NASA/C9 

+2

DIR.

RFI

* UP Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, and Near Space 

Corporation have existing task orders that extend 

beyond the IDIQ1 contract period. Masten Space 

Systems has other pre-existing contracts that 

extend beyond IDIQ1.

CAMPAIGN DESIGNATION

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

69
Space Technology Mission Directorate

70

Research Institute,

10% (14)

Academia,

41% (58)

International, 4% (5)

Government, 26% (37)

Industry, 19% (26)

NASA/JPL, 8

NASA/Johnson

Space Center, 4

NASA/Glenn

Research Center, 8

NASA/Goddard

Space Flight Center, 3

NASA/Ames

Research Center, 6

NASA/Kennedy

Space Center, 2

NASA/Langley

Research Center, 1

DoD, 4

FAA, 1

Flight Service Provider (FSP) contractual status 

Payload origin by organization category & government entity

TOTAL 140 TOTAL 37

1 Armadillo Aerospace, Heath, TX

2 Masten Space Systems, Mojave, CA 

3 Near Space Corporation, Tillamook, OR

4 UP Aerospace, Highlands Ranch, CO

5 Virgin Galactic, Mojave, CA

6 World View Enterprises, Tuscon, AR

7 Whittinghill Aerospace, Camarillo, CA

8 XCOR Aerospace, Mojave, CA

9 Zero Gravity Corporation, Arlington, VA

IDIQ1

√

 √ *

√

√

√

√

√

**

IDIQ2

√

√

√

√

1st FO flight

FY12 (11/16/2011)

FY13 (01/20/2013)

FY12 (04/05/2012)

TBD

FY15 (03/08/2015)

FY11 (07/19/2011)

FO flights FY11-14

10

 8

 3

 16 ***

Flight designation

Xombie 

SBS, NBS or HASS

UP

RGO

 * Pre-existing contracts were used to fly with Masten Space Systems during IDIQ1

 ** Parabolic flight weeks were operated through the NASA/JSC Reduced Gravity Office (RGO). The contract with Zero Gravity Corporation ended June 2014.

*** Parabolic flight weeks are counted as 1 flight
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

71

Hawaii

Alaska

Puerto Rico

U.S. Virgin

Islands

Each dot represents one of the 

140 selected techology payloads 

Payload origin within the U.S.
Space Technology Mission Directorate

72

Campaign

RGO-01

RGO-02

RGO-03

Xombie-01 (C1-C2-C3)

UP-01 (SL6)

RGO-04

RGO-05

RGO-06

RGO-07

SBS-01

NBS-01

RG0-08

Xombie-02 (C4 & C5)

RGO-09

RGO-10

UP-02 (SL7)

HASS-01

RGO-11

Xombie-03 (G-FOLD 1 & 3)

NBS-02

UP-03 (SL8)

RGO-12

SBS-03

Xombie-04 (AAS 1)

RGO-13

RGO-14

SBS-02

Xombie-05 (AAS 2 & 3)

SBS-08

SBS-05

RGO-15

RGO-16

FY11

(3)

FY12

(6)

FY13

(11)

FY14

(12)

(first) Flight Date

July 19, 2011

August 30, 2011

September 20, 2011

February 2, 2012

April 5, 2012

May 16, 2012

August 16, 2012

September 11, 2012

September 27, 2012

January 20, 2013

February 15, 2013

February 26, 2013

March 22, 2013

April 23, 2013

June 4, 2013

June 21, 2013

July 19, 2013

July 30, 2013

August 22, 2013

September 26, 2013

November 12, 2013

November 19, 2013

December 4, 2013

February 21, 2014

February 25, 2014

April 24, 2014

June 6, 2014

June 12, 2014

July 17, 2014

July 18, 2014

July 22, 2014

August 19, 2014

# Payloads

 9^

 4†

7

1

2

8

 5†

6

6

1

1

6

1

5

 3†

6

2

 4†

1

1

6

5

1

1

7

6

1

1

1

1

8

 12**

129 

# Flights

 1*

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

37

Parabolic

(PL-flights)

9

4

7

8

5

6

6

6

5

3

4

5

7

6

8

12

101 

sRLV

(PL-flights)

3

2

2

6

2

6

1

2

24

Balloon

(PL-flights)

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

9 134 PL-flights total

^ one payload was replaced for two new ones mid week

* parabolic campaigns are counted as 1 flight

** RGO-16 was a double campaign spanning 2 weeks.

†

 shared flight week with NASA Education Office or other external party

FY11-14 payload selection & flight activities

The table on the top right shows the number of selected 

(submitted) proposals for each solicitation mechanism over 

the four fiscal years in which the Program has been in operation (FY11-FY14). Once a payload is selected, it is categorized and labeled according to the platform type targeted for 

flight demonstration (Parabolic, sRLV and/or Balloon). As can 

be seen in the bottom right half of the same table, 72 of the 

selected payloads target parabolic flight, and 50 target sRLV 

flight. The middle table on the right shows the number of 

unique payload-flights achieved over the course of four years: 

134 payload-flights through 32 campaigns (most campaigns 

have multiple flights and/or multiple payloads, see table below 

on this page). Of the 134 payload-flights, 85 were ‘first-flight’ 

for a technology payload and 49 were re-flights for those already flown. The last table on the right shows the number 

of completed payloads and the current status of the payload 

pool on the far right. By the end of FY14, 55 teams had concluded their flight testing with the Program. The decision to 

end flight testing is usually made by the researcher based on 

their satisfaction with the results. In 12 cases (parabolic only) 

NASA made the determination that the submitted flight recycle request was out-of-scope of the selected proposal.
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

73

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <-> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <-> sRLV [SB]

 3 11 22 45

 5 7

 1 2

 

 1

Flight testing (Total) 3 11 28 55

 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 TOTAL 

NRA

Directed

AFO

Technology payloads selected 19 55 50 16 140 (248)

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <-> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <-> sRLV [SB]

 12 21 26 13 72

 4 29 14 3 50

 3 7 10

 3 1 1 5

 1 2 3

CompletedActivePendingWithdrawn

End of FY14 flight test status for the

140 selected technology payloads

45 18 7 2 = 72

 7 29 12 2 = 50

 2 7 1 = 10

 4 1 = 5

 1 2 = 3

55 60 21 4 = 140

 14 (40) 10 (41) 24 (81)

 3 (-) 6 (-) **6 (-) 3 (-) 18 (18)

 *16 (23) 35 (51) 34 (58) 13 (20) 98 (152)

 Selection 

 mechanism

Campaigns 

completed

Parabolic

sRLV

Balloon

 *13/7 18/7 6/12 30/8 67/34 = 101

 2/3 5/5 3/6 10/14 = 24

 5 3/1 8/1 = 9 

balloon

sRLV

parabolic

Payload-flights achieved 20 30 33 51 ** 85/49 = 134 

 4 4 8 

 2 3 3 8

 3 4 4 5 16

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

 * selected (submitted) 

 ** includes 4 proposals selected through Science Mission Directorate USIP program

 * number of payload-flights: 13/7 means 13 were ‘first flight’ for a payload while 7 were ‘re-flights’.

** 85 unique technologies (T#s) have been flight tested. 49 payload-flights consisted of re-flights or previously flown payloads.
Requalification for ISS delivery under T0070-P.

Commercial... 

ADS-B

BEYOND

FY11 FY12 

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP 

RGO1 RGO2 RGO3 RGO4 RGO5 RGO6

RGO7XOM1 UP1 

T0002-S

T0019-S

RGO1

RGO3

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO6

UP1

UP1

RGO1 RGO2

RGO2

RGO2

RGO3

RGO3

RGO2 RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

XOM1 

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

T0001-PS

T0003-PS

T0004-PS

T0005-P

T0006-P

T0007-P

T0008-P

T0009-P

T0010-P

T0011-P

T0012-P

T0013-P

T0014-P

T0015-S

T0016-S

T0017-P

T0018-P

T0020-PS

T0021-S

T0022-S

T0023-S

T0024-S

T0025-P

T0026-P

T0027-P

T0028-P

T0071-S

T0072-S

T0029-P

T0030-P

T0031-P

T0032-P

T0033-B

T0034-S

T0035-S

T0036-S

T0037-P

T0039-P

T0040-P

T0041-P

T0042-P

T0043-P

T0044-P

T0045-P

T0046-S

T0047-P

T0048-P

T0049-P

T0050-B

T0051-P

T0052-S

T0070-P

T0073-S

T0075-S

T0074-S

T0038-SB

COMP.

COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO4 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Data compared with MABE ISS experiment (Feb-Jul 2011). Pool boiling research completed.

Experimental... 

Successful... 

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

AFO1 +16

AFO2 +9

DIR.

+2

AFO3 +24

DIR. +3

ADS-B

ADS-B

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <-> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <-> sRLV [SB]

International Space Station

Highlighted results

Targeted platform type

Low Earth Orbit

Solar System

featured in FY13 Annual Report

ISS

Earth applications EARTH

LEO

BEYOND

Linked activities

T0002-S

T0024-S

T0053-S

T0073-S

T0034-S

T0007-P

T0010-P

T0012-P

T0014-P

T0017-P

T0040-P

T0051-P T0134-P

T0059-P

T0091-P

T0016-S

T0070-P

1 T0033-B T0061-SB

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

ISS

EARTH

LEO

BEYOND

Space Technology Mission Directorate

74

FY11-14 Timeline
...Of The Shelf Cryocooler characterization completed.

ISS

BEYOND

FY13 FY14

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP

RGO8 RGO9 RGO10 RGO11 RGO12 RGO13 RGO14 RGO15 RGO16

SBS1 NBS1

XOM2 UP2 UP3

RGO9

RGO9

RGO9

NBS1

SBS1

RGO8

RGO8

RGO8

RGO8

RGO10

RGO10

RGO11

RGO11

RGO13

RGO13

RGO12RGO15

RGO16

RGO14

XOM2

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

UP2

UP2

UP2

UP2

UP3

UP3

ISS

ISS

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO14

COMPLETED

RGO16

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO11

RGO11

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Suborbital instrument qualification in conjunction with testing aboard ISS (Mar 2013-Mar 2014)

‘3D Printing in Space Experiment’ launched to ISS in Oct 2014

Thoracic drainage device prototype validated. Next step is development of integrated unit.

...feature tested in flight spun out as company pioneering physiologic monitoring for patients with congestive heart failure.

Launched November 2013.

...test of OSIRIS-REx Low-Gravity Regolith Sampling technique for Preliminary Design Review (PDR).

New invention: Improved Light Injection and Detection Methods for fNIRS Headgear for Use in Avionics and Astronautics (LEW19109-1).

Regolith containment tray validated in microgravity. Hardware to be used for experiments onboard ISS.

Devices for non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure successfully tested for potential ISS use.

Next maturation steps are to miniaturize electronic components.

Fire extinguisher to be launched to the ISS on SpaceX CRS-7 in June 2015.

JPL's Guidance for Fuel Optimal Large Diverts (G-FOLD) algorithm successfully executes half-mile-long (0.8-kilometer), three-dimensional divert of Masten Space Systems’ Xombie vehicle.

Maturation of DNA degradation monitoring technology resulted in funding under NASA EPSCoR for application development.

ISS

ISS

ISS

ISS

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

75
requalified for ISS delivery under T0070-P

COTS Cryocooler 

FY11 FY12 

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP 

T0002-S

T0019-S

RGO1

RGO3

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO6

UP1

UP1

RGO1 RGO2

RGO2

RGO2

RGO3

RGO3

RGO2 RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

XOM1 

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

T0001-PS

T0003-PS

T0004-PS

T0005-P

T0006-P

T0007-P

T0008-P

T0009-P

T0010-P

T0011-P

T0012-P

T0013-P

T0014-P

T0015-S

T0016-S

T0017-P

T0018-P

T0020-PS

T0021-S

T0022-S

T0023-S

T0024-S

T0025-P

T0026-P

T0027-P

T0028-P

T0071-S

T0072-S

T0029-P

T0030-P

T0031-P

T0032-P

T0033-B

T0034-S

T0035-S

T0036-S

T0037-P

T0039-P

T0040-P

T0041-P

T0042-P

T0043-P

T0044-P

T0045-P

T0046-S

T0047-P

T0048-P

T0049-P

T0050-B

T0051-P

T0052-S

T0070-P

T0073-S

T0075-S

T0074-S

T0038-SB

COMP.

COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO4 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

AFO1 +16

AFO2 +9

DIR.

+2

AFO3 +24

DIR. +3

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <> sRLV [SB]

International Space Station

Low Earth Orbit

Solar System

Linked projects

featured in FY13 Annual Report

ISS

LEO

BEYOND

ADS-B

ADS-B

T0002-S

T0024-S

T0053-S

T0073-S

T0034-S

T0007-P

T0010-P

T0012-P

T0014-P

T0017-P

T0032-P

T0040-P

T0051-P T0134-P

T0059-P

T0056-P

T0091-P

T0016-S

T0070-P

T0033-B T0061-SB

RGO5

RGO6

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

T0043-P

T0044-P

T0045-P

T0046-S

T0047-P

T0048-P

T0049-P

T0050-B

T0051-P

T0052-S

T0070-P

T0073-S

T0075-S

T0068-S

T0076-S

T0077-S

T0078-S

T0079-S

T0080-S

T0081-S

T0082-S

T0083-S

T0084-S

T0085-S

T0086-S

T0087-S

T0088-S

T0053-S

T0054-S

T0074-S

Successful... 

Withdrawn

DIR.

AFO3 +24

AFO4 +2

+4

+14 NRA1

T0053-S

T0073-S

T0034-S

T0010P

T0012-P

T0014-P

T0017-P

T0040-P

T0051-P T0134-P

T0059-P

T0091-P

T0016-S

T0070P

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Requalification for ISS delivery under T0070-P.

Commercial... 

ADS-B

BEYOND

FY11 FY12 

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP 

RGO1 RGO2 RGO3 RGO4 RGO5 RGO6

RGO7XOM1 UP1 

T0002-S

T0019-S

RGO1

RGO3

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO6

UP1

UP1

RGO1 RGO2

RGO2

RGO2

RGO3

RGO3

RGO2 RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

XOM1 

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

T0001-PS

T0003-PS

T0004-PS

T0005-P

T0006-P

T0007-P

T0008-P

T0009-P

T0010-P

T0011-P

T0012-P

T0013-P

T0014-P

T0015-S

T0016-S

T0017-P

T0018-P

T0020-PS

T0021-S

T0022-S

T0023-S

T0024-S

T0025-P

T0026-P

T0027-P

T0028-P

T0071-S

T0072-S

T0029-P

T0030-P

T0031-P

T0032-P

T0033-B

T0034-S

T0035-S

T0036-S

T0037-P

T0039-P

T0040-P

T0041-P

T0042-P

T0043-P

T0044-P

T0045-P

T0046-S

T0047-P

T0048-P

T0049-P

T0050-B

T0051-P

T0052-S

T0070-P

T0073-S

T0075-S

T0074-S

T0038-SB

COMP.

COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO4 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Data compared with MABE ISS experiment (Feb-Jul 2011). Pool boiling research completed.

Experimental... 

Successful... 

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

AFO1 +16

AFO2 +9

DIR.+2

AFO3 +24

DIR. +3

ADS-B

ADS-B

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <-> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <-> sRLV [SB]

International Space Station

Highlighted results

Targeted platform type

Low Earth Orbit

Solar System

featured in FY13 Annual Report

ISS

Earth applications EARTH

LEO

BEYOND

Linked activities

T0002-S

T0024-S

T0053-S

T0073-S

T0034-S

T0007-P

T0010-P

T0012-P

T0014-P

T0017-P

T0040-P

T0051-P T0134-P

T0059-P

T0091-P

T0016-S

T0070-P

1 T0033-B T0061-SB

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

ISS

EARTH

LEO

BEYOND

Space Technology Mission Directorate

76

FY11-14 Timeline
characterization completed

FY13 FY14

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP

RGO8 RGO9 RGO10 RGO14 RGO15

HASS1 SBS2

UP2 XOM3 UP3 XOM4 XOM5

RGO9

RGO9

RGO9

NBS1

SBS1

RGO8

RGO8

RGO8

RGO8

RGO10

RGO10

RGO11

RGO11

RGO13

RGO13

RGO12

RGO15

RGO16

RGO14

XOM2

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

UP2

UP2

UP2

UP2

UP3

UP3

ISS

ISS

ISS

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO14

COMPLETED

COMP.

RGO16 COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO11

RGO11

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Continued under T0033-B 

Launched to ISS in XX 20XX 

continued on sRLV under T0053-S

continued on sRLV under T0073-S

continued under T0034-S 

continuedl under T0091-P

Fire extinguisher to be launched to the ISS on SpaceX-7 in June 2015

withdrawn

withdrawn

withdrawn

maturation of RTDNA technology enabled follow up funding under NASA EPSCoR for application development

‘3D Printing in Space Experiment’ launched to ISS in Oct 2014

RGO9

RGO9

RGO10

RGO11

RGO13

RGO13

RGO12

RGO12

RGO12

RGO12

RGO15

RGO15

RGO15

T0055-P

T0056-P

T0057-P

T0058-P

T0059-P

T0060-P

T0062-P

T0063-P

T0065-P

T0067-S

T0069-S

T0089-P

T0090-P

T0091-P

T0093-P

T0094-P

T0096-P

T0097-B

T0099-B

T0106-B

T0100-P

T0101-P

T0102-P

T0103-P

T0105-P

T0107-P

T0108-P

T0109-P

T0110-P

T0111-S

T0112-S

T0104-PS

T0095-SB

T0092-S

T0098-S

T0064-B

T0066-B

T0061-SB

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

UP2

UP2

UP3

UP3

UP3

UP3

RGO8 COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO14

COMPLETED

RGO14 COMPLETED

RGO14 COMPLETED

RGO14 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO13 COMPLETED

RGO13

RGO13

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO9 COMPLETED

RGO16

RGO11

HASS1

HASS1

XOM3

...test of OSIRISREx LowGravity Regolith Sampling technique for Preliminary Design Review (PDR).

New invention: Improved Light Injection and Detection Methods for fNIRS Headgear for Use in Avionics and Astronautics (LEW19109-1).

Fire extinguisher to be launched to the ISS on SpaceX CRS-7 in June 2015.

JPL's Guidance for Fuel Optimal Large Diverts (G-FOLD) algorithm successfully executes half-mile-long (0.8-kilometer), three-dimensional divert of Masten Space Systems’ Xombie vehicle.

RINGS deployed to ISS on August 3, 2013. Four test sessions performed on the research station.

Deployed from ISS Mar 4, 2015.

Near-IR neuromonitoring system raised to TRL-6.

Next step: test in operational environment.

Parabolic flight advanced sensor functionality to TRL-5.

COTS monitoring technology matured to TRL-6.

Cubesat ACS raised to TRL-6.

Flight tests demonstrated the 

efficacy of high altitude/satellitebased ADS-B equipped platforms to 

extend ADS-B over open ocean 

areas. Additionally, these tests 

demonstrated the potential of 

stratospheric balloon-borne ADS-B 

systems to support flight safety 

requirements for launch and recovery 

of Suborbital Reusable Launch 

Vehicles (sRLVs) at emerging 

Spaceports and NASA ranges.

Free float OCT scanning technique successfully used on ISS.

XOM4 XOM5

SBS2

SBS8

SBS3 SBS5

LEO

NBS2

RGO16

RGO16

Withdrawn

AFO5 +13

DIR. +1

AFO6 +21

ADS-B

ADS-B

ADS-B

ISS

ISS

ISS

ISS

BEYOND

BEYOND

ISS

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Astrobotic Technology successfully demonstrates 

Terrain Relative Navigation and on-line hazard 

detection and identification/selection of safe 

landing locations in a flight-relevant environment 

using Masten Space Systems’ Xombie vehicle.

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

77
Requalification for ISS delivery under T0070-P.

Commercial... 

ADS-B

BEYOND

FY11 FY12 

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP 

RGO1 RGO2 RGO3 RGO4 RGO5 RGO6

RGO7XOM1 UP1 

T0002-S

T0019-S

RGO1

RGO3

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO6

UP1

UP1

RGO1 RGO2

RGO2

RGO2

RGO3

RGO3

RGO2 RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

XOM1 

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

T0001-PS

T0003-PS

T0004-PS

T0005-P

T0006-P

T0007-P

T0008-P

T0009-P

T0010-P

T0011-P

T0012-P

T0013-P

T0014-P

T0015-S

T0016-S

T0017-P

T0018-P

T0020-PS

T0021-S

T0022-S

T0023-S

T0024-S

T0025-P

T0026-P

T0027-P

T0028-P

T0071-S

T0072-S

T0029-P

T0030-P

T0031-P

T0032-P

T0033-B

T0034-S

T0035-S

T0036-S

T0037-P

T0039-P

T0040-P

T0041-P

T0042-P

T0043-P

T0044-P

T0045-P

T0046-S

T0047-P

T0048-P

T0049-P

T0050-B

T0051-P

T0052-S

T0070-P

T0073-S

T0075-S

T0074-S

T0038-SB

COMP.

COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO4 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Data compared with MABE ISS experiment (Feb-Jul 2011). Pool boiling research completed.

Experimental... 

Successful... 

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

Withdrawn

AFO1 +16

AFO2 +9

DIR.+2

AFO3 +24

DIR. +3

ADS-B

ADS-B

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <-> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <-> sRLV [SB]

International Space Station

Highlighted results

Targeted platform type

Low Earth Orbit

Solar System

featured in FY13 Annual Report

ISS

Earth applications EARTH

LEO

BEYOND

Linked activities

T0002-S

T0024-S

T0053-S

T0073-S

T0034-S

T0007-P

T0010-P

T0012-P

T0014-P

T0017-P

T0040-P

T0051-P T0134-P

T0059-P

T0091-P

T0016-S

T0070-P

1 T0033-B T0061-SB

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

ISS

EARTH

LEO

BEYOND

requalified for ISS delivery under T0070-P

COTS Cryocooler 

FY11 FY12 

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP 

T0002-S

T0019-S

RGO1

RGO3

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO4

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO5

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO6

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO7

RGO6

UP1

UP1

RGO1 RGO2

RGO2

RGO2

RGO3

RGO3

RGO2 RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

RGO3

XOM1 

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

RGO1

T0001-PS

T0003-PS

T0004-PS

T0005-P

T0006-P

T0007-P

T0008-P

T0009-P

T0010-P

T0011-P

T0012-P

T0013-P

T0014-P

T0015-S

T0016-S

T0017-P

T0018-P

T0020-PS

T0021-S

T0022-S

T0023-S

T0024-S

T0025-P

T0026-P

T0027-P

T0028-P

T0071-S

T0072-S

T0029-P

T0030-P

T0031-P

T0032-P

T0033-B

T0034-S

T0035-S

T0036-S

T0037-P

T0039-P

T0040-P

T0041-P

T0042-P

T0043-P

T0044-P

T0045-P

T0046-S

T0047-P

T0048-P

T0049-P

T0050-B

T0051-P

T0052-S

T0070-P

T0073-S

T0075-S

T0074-S

T0038-SB

COMP.

COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO4 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

AFO1 +16

AFO2 +9

DIR.

+2

AFO3 +24

DIR. +3

Parabolic [P]

sRLV [S]

Balloon [B]

Parabolic <> sRLV [PS]

Balloon <> sRLV [SB]

International Space Station

Low Earth Orbit

Solar System

Linked projects

featured in FY13 Annual Report

ISS

LEO

BEYOND

ADS-B

ADS-B

T0002-S

T0024-S

T0053-S

T0073-S

T0034-S

T0007-P

T0010-P

T0012-P

T0014-P

T0017-P

T0032-P

T0040-P

T0051-P T0134-P

T0059-P

T0056-P

T0091-P

T0016-S

T0070-P

T0033-B T0061-SB

Space Technology Mission Directorate

78

FY11-14 Timeline
RGO9

RGO10

RGO13

RGO12

RGO12

RGO12

RGO12

RGO15

RGO15

RGO15

RGO15

T0059-P

T0060-P

T0062-P

T0063-P

T0065-P

T0067-S

T0069-S

T0089-P

T0090-P

T0091-P

T0093-P

T0094-P

T0096-P

T0097-B

T0099-B

T0106-B

T0100-P

T0101-P

T0102-P

T0103-P

T0105-P

T0107-P

T0108-P

T0109-P

T0110-P

T0122-P

T0123-P

T0125-P

T0126-P

T0127-P

T0129-P

T0130-P

T0131-P

T0128-S

T0111-S

T0112-S

T0114-S

T0115-S

T0116-S

T0117-S

T0118-S

T0119-S

T0120-S

T0121-S

T0113-B

T0124-B

T0104-PS

T0095-SB

T0092-S

T0098-S

T0064-B

T0066-B

T0061-SB

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

T0137-S

T0139-S

T0140 -P

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

UP2

UP3

UP3

UP3

RGO14 COMPLETED

RGO14 COMPLETED

RGO14 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO15

T0135-P RGO15

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO13 COMPLETED

RGO13

RGO13

COMPLETED

RGO13 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO9 COMPLETED

HASS1

RINGS deployed to ISS on August 3, 2013. Four test sessions performed on the research station.

Deployed from ISS Mar 4, 2015.

Near-IR neuromonitoring system raised to TRL-6.

Next step: test in operational environment.

Parabolic flight advanced sensor functionality to TRL-5.

COTS monitoring technology matured to TRL-6.

Cubesat ACS raised to TRL-6.

Flight tests demonstrated the 

efficacy of high altitude/satellitebased ADS-B equipped platforms to 

extend ADS-B over open ocean 

areas. Additionally, these tests 

demonstrated the potential of 

stratospheric balloon-borne ADS-B 

systems to support flight safety 

requirements for launch and recovery 

of Suborbital Reusable Launch 

Vehicles (sRLVs) at emerging 

Spaceports and NASA ranges.

Free float OCT scanning technique successfully used on ISS.

Experiment Storage Unit and 

launcher mechanisms for the 

Collisional Accretion Experiment 

(CATE) advanced to TRL-6.

XOM4 XOM5

SBS2

SBS8

SBS3 SBS5

LEO

NBS2

RGO16

RGO16

RGO16

T0132-P RGO16 ACTIVE

T0133-P ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

RGO16

RGO16

T0134-P RGO16

T0136-P RGO16

T0138-P RGO16

RGO16

Withdrawn

ISS

ISS

AFO5 +13

DIR. +1

AFO6 +21

DIR. +1

AFO8 +13

DIR. +2

ADS-B

ADS-B

ADS-B

ISS

ISS

BEYOND

ISS

SPHERES Project Tango arrived @ISS Aug 2014.

SPHERES Universal Docking Port (UDP) achieved 

TRL-6 by demonstrating high fidelity prototype 

attached to the SPHERES system during parabolic 

flight. All phases of a traditional spacecraft docking 

sequence (approach, contact dynamics, capture, 

maneuvering, and undocking) were demonstrated, 

providing confidence for orbital operations to be 

conducted on the ISS in 2015.

Verification of Dragon 2 propellant management 

device (PMD) successfully completed.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

characterization completed

FY13 FY14

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP

RGO12 RGO13 RGO14 RGO15 RGO16

SBS3

SBS5

NBS2 SBS8

UP3

RGO9

RGO9

RGO9

NBS1

SBS1

RGO8

RGO8

RGO8

RGO8

RGO10

RGO10

RGO11

RGO11

RGO13

RGO13

RGO12

RGO15

RGO16

RGO14

XOM2

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

UP2

UP2

UP2

UP2

UP3

UP3

ISS

ISS

ISS

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

RGO8 COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO14

COMPLETED

COMP.

RGO16 COMP.

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

RGO11

RGO11

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

Continued under T0033-B 

Launched to ISS in XX 20XX 

continued on sRLV under T0053-S

continued on sRLV under T0073-S

continued under T0034-S 

continuedl under T0091-P

Fire extinguisher to be launched to the ISS on SpaceX-7 in June 2015

withdrawn

withdrawn

withdrawn

maturation of RTDNA technology enabled follow up funding under NASA EPSCoR for application development

‘3D Printing in Space Experiment’ launched to ISS in Oct 2014

Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

79
Space Technology Mission Directorate

80

 T# Origin Title 

T0001-PS Directed Suborbital Flight Environment Monitor (SFEM) 

T0002-S Directed Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) 

T0003-PS AFO1 On-Orbit Propellant Storage Stability 

T0004-PS AFO1 Printing the Space Future 

T0005-P AFO1 Development and Validation of Design Tools for Advanced Two-Phase, Space Heat Exchangers 

T0006-P AFO1 Electric Field Effects on Pool Boiling Heat Transfer in Low-G Environments 

T0007-P AFO1 Testing of the Radio Frequency Mass Gauge on Parabolic Flights 

T0008-P AFO1 Indexing Media Filtration System for Long Duration Space Mission 

T0009-P AFO1 Autonomous Robotic Capture in Near-Zero Gravity to Validate Ground-Based Contact Dynamics Simulation of Space Operations 

T0010-P AFO1 Validation of Atomization Mechanism and Droplet Transport for a Spacecraft Fine Water Mist Portable Fire Extinguisher in Microgavity 

T0011-P AFO1 Cryocooler Vibrational Characterization for the VASIMR ISS Demonstration Mission 

T0012-P AFO1 Validating Telemetric Imaging Hardware for Crew-Autonomous Biological Imaging in Parabolic and Suborbital Application 

T0013-P AFO1 Real-Time Instrumentation for Monitoring Radiation-Induced DNA Degradation in Space 

T0014-P AFO1 Heat Pipe Limits in Reduced Gravity Environments 

T0015-S AFO1 Electromagnetic Field Measurements on sRLV 

T0016-S AFO1 Guidance Embedded Navigator Integration Environment (GENIE) 

T0017-P AFO1 Iso-grid, Thermal-Structural Panel (IsoTherm) 

T0018-P AFO1 Sub-System Coupling for Grey Water Purification (VPCAR) 

T0019-S Directed DIAPASON 

T0020-PS AFO2 Microgravity Multi-Phase Flow Experiment for Suborbital Testing (MFEST) 

T0021-S AFO2 Application of Controlled Vibrations to Multiphase Systems 

T0022-S AFO2 Environment Monitoring Suite on sRLV 

T0023-S AFO2 Measurement of the Atmospheric Background in the Mesosphere 

T0024-S AFO2 RF Gauging of the Liquid Oxygen Tank on a Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle 

T0025-P AFO2 Assessing Vestibulo-ocular Function and Spatial Orientation in Parabolic Flight 

T0026-P AFO2 Evaluation of Medical Chest Drainage System Funtional in the Microgravity Environment 

T0027-P AFO2 Autonomous Cell Culture Apparatus for Growing 3-Dimensional Tissues in Microgravity 

T0028-P AFO2 Demonstration of Non-Invasive Acquisition of Physiologic Variables from Spaceflight Participants 

T0029-P AFO3 Physics of Regolith Impacts in Microgravity Experiment 

T0030-P AFO3 Microgravity Health Care 

T0031-P AFO3 Activity Monitoring during Parabolic Flight 

T0032-P AFO3 UAH CubeSat Parabolic Flight Testing 

T0033-B AFO3 Flight Testing of UAT ADS-B Transmitter Prototype for Commercial Space Transportation 

T0034-S AFO3 Terrain Relative Navigation Descent Imager (TRNDI) 

T0035-S AFO3 Near-Zero Gravity Cryogenic Line Chilldown Experiment in a Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle 

T0036-S AFO3 Collisions Into Dust Experiment on a Commercial Suborbital Vehicle 

T0037-P AFO3 Particle Dispersion System for Microgravity Environments 

T0038-SB AFO3 Structural Health Monitoring for Commercial Space Vehicles 

T0039-P AFO3 Fuel Mass Gauging Based on Electrical Capacitance Volumatric Tomography Techniques 

T0040-P AFO3 Microgravity Effects of Nanoscale Mixing on Diffusion Limited Processes Using Electrochemical Electrodes 

T0041-P AFO3 Effects of Reduced Gravity on Flow Boiling and Condensation 

T0042-P AFO3 OSIRIS-REx Low-Gravity Regolith Sampling Tests 

T0043-P AFO3 Parabolic Flight: Validation of Electro-Hydrodynamic Gas-Liquid Phase Separation in Microgravity 

T0044-P AFO3 Sintering of Composite Materials under Reduced Gravity Conditions 

T0045-P AFO3 Evaporative Heat Transfer Mechanisms within a Heat Melt Compactor (EHeM HMC) Experiment 

T0046-S AFO3 Polar Mesospheric Cloud Imaging and Tomography Experiment 

T0047-P AFO3 Boston University Student Proposal for Deployable Solar and Antenna Array Microgravity Testing 
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

81

PI Organization State Org Type TA # P/S/B end FY14 Status

Steve Ord NASA/Ames Research Center CA Government TA08 1/2/- Active

Nick Demidovich FAA Commercial Space Transportation DC Government TA05 -/2/- Completed

Sathya Gangadharan Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University FL Academia TA02 2/-/- Active

Jason Dunn Made in Space, Inc. CA Industry TA12 4/-/- Active

Jungho Kim University of Maryland MD Academia TA14 2/-/- Completed

Jungho Kim University of Maryland MD Academia TA14 1/-/- Completed

Greg Zimmerli NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA02 2/-/- Completed

Rajagopal Vijayakumar Aerfil (w/ NASA GRC) NY Industry TA06 4/-/- Active

Brian Roberts NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center MD Government TA04 2/-/- Completed

Thierry Carriere ADA Technologies CO Industry TA06 1/-/- Completed

Chris Olsen Ad Astra Rocket Company TX Industry TA02 4/-/- Completed

Rob Ferl University of Florida FL Academia TA08 4/-/- Completed

Howard G. Levine NASA/Kennedy Space Center FL Government TA06 3/-/- Completed

Marc A. Gibson NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA14 3/-/- Completed

H. Todd Smith Johns Hopkins University / APL MD Research Inst. TA08 Active

Rick Loffi Draper Laboratory MA Research Inst. TA09 -/5/- Completed

Hans-Peter Dumm Air Force Research Laboratory NM Government TA14 1/-/- Completed

Walt Turner NASA/Kennedy Space Center FL Government TA06 Withdrawn

Ferdinando Cassese DTM Technologies ITALY International TA08 -/1/- Completed

Katy Hurlbert NASA/Johnson Space Center TX Government TA06 2/-/- Active

Ricard Gonzalez-Cinca Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya SPAIN International TA02 -/1/- Active

H. Todd Smith Johns Hopkins University / APL MD Research Inst. TA08 Active

Sean Casey Silicon Valley Space Center CA Industry TA08 Pending

Greg Zimmerli NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA02 Active

Michael Schubert Johns Hopkins Univ. School of Medicine MD Academia TA06 3/-/- Completed

C. Marsh Cuttino Orbital Medicine, Inc. VA Industry TA06 2/-/- Completed

Zarana Patel NASA/Johnson Space Center TX Government TA06 1/-/- Active

Ravi Komatireddy The Vital Space Team CA Industry TA06 1/-/- Completed

Josh Colwell University Of Central Florida FL Academia TA07 2/-/- Completed

Scott Dulchavsky Henry Ford Health System MI Research Inst. TA06 1/-/- Completed

Peter Cavanagh University of Washington WA Academia TA06 3/-/- Completed

Francis Wessling Univ. Of Alabama Space HW Club AL Academia TA12 1/-/- Completed

Richard Stansbury Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University FL Academia TA05 -/-/1 Completed

Rick Loffi Draper Laboratory MA Research Inst. TA09 Active

Jacob Chung University of Florida FL Academia TA02 Active

Josh Colwell University Of Central Florida FL Academia TA07 Active

John Marshall SETI Institute CA Research Inst. TA08 1/-/- Completed

Andrei Zagrai NM Institute Of Mining And Technology NM Academia TA12 -/1/1 Completed

Manohar Deshpande NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center MD Government TA02 Pending

Carlos Cabrera University of Puerto Rico PR Academia TA06 2/-/- Completed

Issam Mudawar Purdue University IN Academia TA14 1/-/- Completed

Joe Vellinga Lockheed Martin Inc. CO Industry TA07 1/-/- Completed

Boris Khusid New Jersey Institute Of Technology NJ Academia TA14 1/-/- Pending

Carmelo Mandarino Advanced Technical Inst. “E. Fermi” ITALY International TA07 1/-/- Pending

Eric Golliher NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA06 1/-/- Pending

Jason Reimuller Space Science Institute CO Research Inst. TA08 Pending

Ted Fritz Boston University MA Academia TA12 3/-/- Completed
Space Technology Mission Directorate

82

 T# Origin Title 

T0048-P AFO3 Effects of Reduced and Hyper Gravity on Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Instrumentation 

T0049-P AFO3 Parabolic Flight Evaluation of a Hermetic Surgery System for Reduced Gravity 

T0050-B AFO3 Flight Demonstration of an Integrated Camera and Solid-State Fine Steering System 

T0051-P AFO3 Non-Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Microgravity 

T0052-S AFO3 Collection of Regolith Experiment (CORE) on a Commercial Suborbital Vehicle 

T0053-S AFO4 Validating Telemetric Imaging Hardware for Crew-Assisted and Crew-Autonomous Biological Imaging in Suborbital Applications 

T0054-B AFO4 Stratospheric Parabolic Flight Technology 

T0055-P AFO5 Structural Dynamics Test of STACER Antenna Deployment in Microgravity 

T0056-P AFO5 UAH ChargerSat-2 Parabolic Flight Testing 

T0057-P AFO5 High Eccentric Resistive Overload (HERO) Device Demonstration during Parabolic Flight 

T0058-P AFO5 Assessing Otolith-Organ Function with Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) in Parabolic Flight 

T0059-P AFO5 On the Performance of a Nanocatalyst-Based Direct Ammonia Alkaline Fuel Cell (DAAFC) Under Microgravity Conditions for Water 

Reclamation and Energy Applications 

T0060-P AFO5 Dynamic and Static Behavior of a Flexible Fuel Hose in Zero-G 

T0061-SB AFO5 Flight Testing of a UAT ADS-B Transmitter Prototype for Commercial Space Transportation Using sRLV 

T0062-P AFO5 In-Flight Lab Analysis Technology Demonstration in Reduced Gravity 

T0063-P AFO5 Caging System for Drag-free Satellites 

T0064-B AFO5 Deployable Rigid Adjustable Guided Final Landing Approach Pinions (DRAG FLAPs) 

T0065-P AFO5 Reduced Gravity Flight Demonstration of the Resonant Inductive Near-field Generation System (RINGS) 

T0066-B AFO5 Guided Parafoil High Altitude Research 

T0067-S AFO5 Autolanding for Robotic Precursor Missions 

T0068-S NRA1 Fuel Optimal Large Divert Guidance for Planetary Pinpoint Landing (G-FOLD) 

T0069-S Directed Global Positioning Beacon (GPB) 

T0070-P Directed Portable Fire Extinguisher (formerly T0010-P) 

T0071-S Directed New Mexico Student Groups #1 and #2 for SL-7 

T0072-S Directed New Mexico Student Groups #3 and #4 for SL-8 

T0073-S Directed Radial Core Heat Spreader 

T0074-S Directed Miniature Altitude Determination System 

T0075-S Directed Exo-Atmosperic Aerobrake 

T0076-S NRA1 Demonstration of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nano-tubes for Earth Climate Remote Sensing 

T0077-S NRA1 Facility for Microgravity Research and Submicroradian Stabilization using sRLVs 

T0078-S NRA1 Enhanced Thermal Switch for Payload Autonomous Thermal Control 

T0079-S NRA1 Autonomous Flight Manager for Human-in-the-Loop Immersive Simulation and Flight Test of Terrestrial Rockets 

T0080-S NRA1 Advanced Micro Sun Sensor 

T0081-S NRA1 Demonstration of Variable Radiator 

T0082-S NRA1 Dynamic Microscopy System 

T0083-S NRA1 Design and Development of a Micro Satellite Attitude Control System 

T0084-S NRA1 Suborbital Test of a Robotics-Based Method for In-Orbit Identification of Spacecraft Inertia Properties 

T0085-S NRA1 SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform 

T0086-S NRA1 Saturated Fluid Pistonless Pump Technology Demonstrator 

T0087-S NRA1 Electric-hydrodynamic Control of Two-Phase Heat Transfer in Microgravity 

T0088-S NRA1 An FPGA-based, Radiation Tolerant, Reconfigurable Computer System with Real Time Fault Detection, Avoidance, and Repair 

T0089-P AFO6 Technology Maturation of a Dual-Spinning CubeSat Bus 

T0090-P AFO6 Testing Near-Infrared Neuromonitoring Devices for Detecting Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Parabolic Flight 

T0091-P AFO6 Resilient Thermal Panel: Microgravity Effects on Isothermality of Structurally Embedded Two Dimensional Heat Pipes 

T0092-S AFO6 Precision Formation Flying Sensor 

T0093-P AFO6 Wireless Strain Sensing System for Space Structural Health Monitoring 

T0094-P AFO6 Monitoring Tissue Oxygen Saturation in Microgravity 
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

83

PI Organization State Org Type TA # P/S/B end FY14 Status

Angela Harrivel NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA06 2/-/- Completed

George Pantalos University of Louisville KY Academia TA06 2/-/- Active

Eliot Young Southwest Research Institute CO Research Inst. TA08 Active

Greg Kovacs Stanford University CA Academia TA06 2/-/- Completed

Josh Colwell University of Central Florida FL Academia TA07 Active

Rob Ferl University of Florida FL Academia TA08 Active

Steven Collicott Purdue University IN Academia TA08 -/-/1 Active

Kerri Cahoy Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Academia TA12 1/-/- Completed

Francis Wessling University of Alabama AL Academia TA14 Active

Aaron Weaver NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA06 1/-/- Active

Mark Shelhamer Johns Hopkins Univ. School of Medicine MD Academia TA06 Pending

Carlos Cabrera University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras PR Academia TA03 1/-/- Active

Allyson Buker Jackson and Tull DC Industry TA04 1/-/- Completed

Richard Stansbury Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University FL Academia TA05 -/1/1 Active

Emily Nelson NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA06 Pending

Rob Byer Stanford University CA Academia TA08 1/-/- Completed

Scott Nietfeld Masten Space Systems Inc. CA Industry TA09 Active

Ray Sedwick University of Maryland MD Academia TA04 1/-/- Completed

Allen Lowry Airborne Systems N. America of CA, Inc. CA Industry TA09 -/-/1 Active

Kevin Peterson Astrobotic Technology, Inc. PA Industry TA09 -/3/- Completed

Behcet Acikmese NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA09 -/2/- Completed

Jason Armstrong Kirtland AFB NM Government TA05 -/2/- Completed

Branelle Rodriguez NASA/Johnson Space Center TX Government TA06 1/-/- Completed

Pat Hynes New Mexico Space Grant Consortium NM Academia TA06 -/1/- Completed

Pat Hynes New Mexico Space Grant Consortium NM Academia TA06 Withdrawn

Roshanak Hakimzadeh NASA/Glenn Research Center OH Government TA14 Active

Sohrab Mobasser NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA05 Withdrawn

Marc Murbach NASA/Ames Research Center CA Government TA09 Active

H. Todd Smith Johns Hopkins University / APL MD Research Inst. TA10 Pending

Scott Green Controlled Dynamics Inc. CA Industry TA08 -/1/- Active

Douglas Mehoke Johns Hopkins University / APL MD Research Inst. TA14 Pending

Rick Loffi Draper Laboratory MA Research Inst. TA04 Active

Sohrab Mobasser NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA05 Active

Richard Kurwitz Texas A&M University TX Academia TA14 Active

John Vellinger Techshot, Inc. IN Industry TA08 Pending

Manoranjan Majji State University of New York, Buffalo NY Academia TA02 Active

Ou Ma New Mexico State University NM Academia TA04 -/1/- Active

Craig DeForest Southwest Research Institute CO Research Inst. TA08 Pending

Ryan Starkey University of Colorado CO Academia TA02 Active

Boris Khusid New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ Academia TA14 Pending

Brock LaMeres Montana State University MT Academia TA11 Active

Kerri Cahoy Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Academia TA12 1/-/- Completed

Gary Strangman Massachusetts General Hospital MA Academia TA06 1/-/- Completed

Andy Williams Air Force Research Laboratory NM Government TA14 1/-/- Completed

Webster Cash University of Colorado CO Academia TA08 Active

Haiying Huang University of Texas, Arlington TX Academia TA12 1/-/- Completed

Tom Smith University of Oxford UK International TA06 1/-/- Completed
Space Technology Mission Directorate

84

 T# Origin Title 

T0095-SB AFO6 Test of Satellite Communications Systems on-board Suborbital Platforms to Provide Low-Cost Data Communications for Research 

Payloads, Payload Operators, and Space Vehicle Operators 

T0096-P AFO6 Testing the Deployment and Rollout of the DragEN Electrodynamic Tether for CubeSats 

T0097-B AFO6 Planetary Atmosphere Minor Species Sensor 

T0098-S AFO6 Navigation Doppler Lidar Sensor Demonstration for Precision Landing on Solar System Bodies 

T0099-B AFO6 Satellite-Based ADS-B Operations Flight Test 

T0100-P AFO6 Creation of Titanium-Based Nanofoams in Reduced Gravity for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Production 

T0101-P AFO6 Testing a CubeSat Attitude Control System in Microgravity Conditions 

T0102-P AFO6 Demonstration of Adjustable Fluidic Lens in Microgravity 

T0103-P AFO6 Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Microgravity 

T0104-PS AFO6 Real Time Conformational Analysis of Rhodopsin using Plasmon Waveguide Resonance Spectroscopy 

T0105-P AFO6 DYMAFLEX: DYnamic MAnipulation FLight EXperiment 

T0106-B AFO6 Low-Cost Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicle (sRLV) Surrogate 

T0107-P AFO6 Characterizing CubeSat Deployer Dynamics in a Microgravity Environment 

T0108-P AFO6 Demonstration of food processing equipment 

T0109-P AFO6 Advanced Optical Mass Measurement System 

T0110-P Directed Wet Lab 

T0111-S NRA2 Rocket Flight of a Delta-Doped CCD Focal Plane Array for CHESS 

T0112-S NRA2 Spacecraft Disturbance Isolation and Rejection Platform (SDIRP) 

T0113-B NRA2 Focal Plane Actuation to Achieve Ultra-High Resolution on Suborbital Balloon Payloads 

T0114-S NRA2 Technology Demonstration of Graphene Ion Membranes for Earth and Space Applications 

T0115-S NRA2 EDL Technology Development for the Maraia Earth Return Capsule 

T0116-S NRA2 Operational Demonstration of the MPS-120 CubeSat High-impulse Adaptable Modular Propulsion System 

T0117-S NRA2 1U CubeSat Green Propulsion System with Post-Launch Pressurization 

T0118-S NRA2 Iodine RF Ion Thruster Development 

T0119-S NRA2 Inductively Coupled Electromagnetic (ICE) Thruster System Development for Small Spacecraft Propulsion 

T0120-S NRA2 Advanced Hybrid Rocket Motor Propulsion Unit for CubeSats (PUC)r 

T0121-S Directed Flyover Mapping and Modeling of Terrain Features 

T0122-P Directed Microgravity Experiment on Accretion in Space Environments 

T0123-P Directed Microgravity Propellant Gauging Using Modal Analysis 

T0124-B Directed Gannon University’s Cosmic-Ray Calorimeter (GU-CRC) 

T0125-P Directed HET SPHERES Smartphone 

T0126-P AFO8 Validating Microgravity Mobility Models for Hopping/Tumbling Robots 

T0127-P AFO8 Reduced Gravity Flight Demo of SPHERES Universal Docking Ports 

T0128-S AFO8 Zero-gravity Green Propellant Management Technology 

T0129-P AFO8 Testing of a Microgravity Rock Coring Drill Using Microspines 

T0130-P AFO8 Reinventing the wheel: parabolic flight validation of reaction spheres 

T0131-P AFO8 Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensors for ISS (EDLS-ISS) Operational Feasibility for ARED 

T0132-P AFO8 Effects of Microgravity on Intracranial Pressure 

T0133-P AFO8 Payload Separation Performance of a New 6U CubeSat Canisterized Satellite Dispenser 

T0134-P AFO8 Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Microgravity, Phase II (Arterial Stiffness) 

T0135-P AFO8 Testing ON-OFF Gecko Adhesive Grippers in Microgravity 

T0136-P AFO8 Dragon V2 Propellant Management Device Microgravity Validation 

T0137-S AFO8 Fuel Optimal and Accurate Landing System (FOALS) Test Flights 

T0138-P AFO8 Reduced Gravity Flight Demonstration of SPHERES INSPECT 

T0139-S Directed ADEPT 

T0140-P Directed Lunar Plant Habitat 

 
Flight Opportunities 2014 Annual Report

85

PI Organization State Org Type TA # P/S/B end FY14 Status

Brian Barnett Solstar Communications NM Industry TA05 -/1/1 Active

Jason Held Saber Astronautics Australia Pty. Ltd. AUSTRALIA International TA02 2/-/- Completed

Robert Peale University of Central Florida FL Academia TA08 -/-/1 Active

Farzin Amzajerdian NASA/Langley Research Center VA Government TA09 Active

Russ Dewey GSSL, Inc. OR Industry TA05 -/-/2 Completed

Kristen Scotti Northwestern University IL Academia TA10 1/-/- Active

Eric Bradley University of Central Florida FL Academia TA02 1/-/- Completed

James Schwiegerling University of Arizona AZ Academia TA08 1/-/- Pending

Doug Ebert Wyle Laboratories TX Industry TA06 1/-/- Completed

Victor Hruby University of Arizona AZ Academia TA06 Pending

David Akin University of Maryland MD Academia TA04 1/-/- Completed

Tim Lachenmeier GSSL, Inc. OR Industry TA05 Active

Kira Abercromby California Polytechnic State University CA Academia TA12 Withdrawn

Susana Carranza Makel Engineering, Inc. CA Industry TA07 1/-/- Completed

Jason Reimuller Mass Dynamix, Inc. CA Industry TA02 Active

Macarena Parra NASA/Ames Research Center CA Government TA06 1/-/- Active

Paul Scowen Arizona State University AZ Academia TA08 Pending

Gerardo Ortiz NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA08 Active

Paul Scowen Arizona State University AZ Academia TA08 Pending

H. Todd Smith Johns Hopkins University / APL MD Research Inst. TA10 Pending

Alan Strahan NASA/Johnson Space Center TX Government TA09 Active

Christian Carpenter Aerojet General Corporation WA Industry TA02 Active

Michael Tsay Busek Co. Inc. MA Industry TA02 Pending

Kurt Hohman Busek Co. Inc. MA Industry TA02 Pending

John Slough MSNW LLC WA Industry TA02 Active

John DeSain The Aerospace Corporation CA Research Inst. TA02 Pending

William Whittaker Carnegie Mellon University PA Academia TA08 Active

Josh Colwell University of Central Florida FL Academia TA08 1/-/- Completed

Kevin Crosby Carthage College WI Academia TA02 1/-/- Active

Nicholas Conklin Gannon University PA Academia TA08 Active

Terry Fong NASA/Ames Research Center CA Government TA04 1/-/- Completed

Issa Nesnas NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA04 Active

Alvar Saenz Otero Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Academia TA04 1/-/- Completed

Steven Collicot Purdue University IN Academia TA02 Active

Aaron Parness NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA04 1/-/- Active

Alvin Yew NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center MD Government TA05 1/-/- Completed

Christopher Krebs Aurora Flight Services MA Industry TA06 Active

Benjamin Levine University of Texas Southwestern Medical C.TX Academia TA06 1/-/- Active

Hans-Peter Dumm Air Force Research Laboratory NM Government TA12 1/-/- Active

Greg Kovacs Stanford University CA Academia TA06 1/-/- Completed

Aaron Parness NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA04 1/-/- Active

Robin Titus Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) CA Industry TA02 1/-/- Completed

Andrew Johnson NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory CA Government TA09 Active

Alvar Saenz Otero Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA Academia TA04 1/-/- Active

Paul Wercinski NASA/Ames Research Center CA Government TA09 Active

Chris McKay NASA/Ames Research Center CA Government TA07 1/-/- Active
T0097

T0093

T0089

T0068

T0051

T0049

T0043

T0041

T0012

T0002

Program

T0051

T0048

FY14

D. Maukonen, C.J. Fredricksen, A.V. Muraviev, A. Alhasan, S. Calhoun, G. Zummo, R.E. Peale, J.E. Colwell. Planetary Atmospheres Minor Species Sensor (PAMSS). In SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9113: Sensors for Extreme Harsh Environments, 2014. 

http://spie.org/Publications/Proceedings/Paper/10.1117/12.2050169

A. Mears, Y. Yao, Y. Hew, E. Castillo, F. Leal, B. Harris, H. Huang. Wireless strain sensing system for Structural Health Monitoring under various gravity levels. In 65th International Astronautical Congress, 2014. 

http://iafastro.directory/iac/paper/id/21268/summary/

E. Peters, P. Dave, R. Kingsbury, A. Marinan, E. Wise, C. Pong, M. Prinkey, K. Cahoy, D. Miller, D. Sklair, J. Emig, W.J. 

Blackwell, G. Allen, C. Galbraith, R. Leslie, I. Osaretin, M. Shields, E. Thompson, D. Toher, D. Townzen and A. Vogel. Design 

and Functional Validation of a Mechanism for Dual-Spinning CubeSats. In 42nd Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, 2014. 

http://www.esmats.eu/amspapers/pastpapers/pdfs/2014/peters.pdf

D.P. Scharf, M.W. Regehr, G.M. Vaughan, J. Benito, H. Ansari, M. Aung, A. Johnson, J. Casoliva, S. Mohan, D. Dueri, B. Acikmese, D. Masten, S. Nietfeld. ADAPT demonstrations of onboard large-divert Guidance with a VTVL rocket. In Aerospace 

Conference, 2014, doi: 10.1109/AERO.2014.6836462

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6836462

C. McCall, Z. Stuart, R.M. Wiard, O.T. Inan, L. Giovangrandi, C.M. Cuttino, G.T.A. Kovacs. Standing ballistocardiography 

measurements in microgravity. In 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Science (EMBS), 2014. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6944792

J.A. Hayden, G.M. Pantalos, J.E. Burgess, J.F. Antaki. A hermetically sealed, fluid-filled surgical enclosure for microgravity. In 

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 84, Number 12, 2013.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24459804

B. Khusid, D. Qasem, E. Elele, J. Tang, Y. Shen. Electric field driven bubble motion in microgravity. In 66th Annual Meeting of 

the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Volume 58, Number 18, 2013.

http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2013.DFD.E32.4

H. Lee, I. Park, C. Konishi, I. Mudawar, R.I. May, J.R. Juergens, J.D. Wagner, N.R. Hall, H.K. Nahra, M. Hasan, J.R. Mackey. 

Experimental Investigation of Flow Condensation in Microgravity. In Journal of Heat Transfer, Vol. 136, 2014.

http://heattransfer.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/article.aspx?articleid=1754435 

M.T. Bamsey, A. Paul, T. Graham, R.J. Ferl. Flexible imaging payload for real-time fluorescent biological imaging in parabolic, 

suborbital and space analog environments. In Life Sciences in Space Research. Volume 3, 2014.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214552414000480

R.S. Stansbury, M. Towhidnejad, D. Tournour, N. Demidovich, C. Greenlow, J. DiNofrio, D. Edwards. Demonstration and 

evaluation of ADS-B technology for commercial space operations onboard reusable sub-orbital launch vehicles. In Integrated 

Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Conference (ICNS), 2014.

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6820023

D.C. Maclise, R.C. Mains, A. van Dijk. Opportunities for Testing and Demonstrating Emerging Space Technologies. In ASME 

2013 International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, 2013.

http://proceedings.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/proceeding.aspx?articleID=1859189

R.M. Wiard, O.T. Inan, L. Giovangrandi, C.M. Cuttino, G.T.A. Kovacs. Preliminary results from standing ballistocardiography 

measurements in microgravity. In 35th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Science (EMBS), 2013. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6611241 

J. Mackey, G. Adamovsky, B. Floyd, P. Tin and A. Harrivel. Improved light injection and detection methods for fNIRS headgear 

for use in avionics and astronautics. In 2nd Biennial fNIRS Meeting, 2012 (NASA New Technology Report #1351026054). 

http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/DOT/resources/SfNIRS/Program_fNIRS2012.pdf

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Published papers describing flight demonstrations facilitated by the Program
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J. Mackey, A. Harrivel, G. Adamovsky, B. Lewandowski, D. Gotti, P. Tin, B. Floyd. Effects of varying gravity levels on fNIRS 

headgear performance and signal recovery. In AIAA Infotech@Aerospace 2013 Conference, Human-Machine Interface, Crew 

Decision Making session, 2013. http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2013-4897

E.L. Golliher, D.J. Gotti, J.E. Rymut, B.K. Nguyen, J. Owens, G. Pace, J. Fisher and Andrew Hong. Evaporative Heat Transfer 

Mechanisms within a Heat Melt Compactor. In 43rd International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), 2013. http://

arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2013-3392

H. Lee, I. Mudawar, and M.M. Hasan. Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Annular Flow Condensation in Microgravity. In International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 61, 2013.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0017931013001257

B. Cooper, A. Zagrai, S. Kessler. Effects of Altitude on Active Structural Health Monitoring. in ASME 2013 Conference on 

Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, 2013. 

http://www.metisdesign.com/docs/papers/SMASIS13.pdf

A. Zagrai, B. Cooper, J. Schlavin, C. White, S. Kessler. Structural Health Monitoring in Near-Space Environment, a High Altitude Balloon Test. In 9th International Workshop of Structural Health Monitoring, 2013.

http://www.metisdesign.com/docs/papers/SHM13c.pdf

M.A. Gibson. Thermosyphon Flooding in Reduced Gravity Environments. NASA/TM—2013-216536, 2013. 

http://ntrs.larc.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20140010152

A.K. Zupanska, F.C. Denison, R.J. Ferl, AL Paul. Spaceflight engages heat shock protein and other molecular chaperone 

genes in tissue culture cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. In American Journal of Botany, 2013. 

http://www.amjbot.org/content/100/1/235.long

B. Rodriquez, G. Young. Development of the International Space Station Fine Water Mist Portable Fire Extinguisher. In 43rd 

International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), 2013. http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/pdf/10.2514/6.2013-3413

J.H. Agui, R. Vijayakumar. Development of an Indexing Media Filtration System for Long Duration Space Missions. In 43rd 

International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), 2013. http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2013-3486

M. P. Snyder, J.J. Dunn, E.G. Gonzalez. Effects of Microgravity on Extrusion based Additive Manufacturing. In AIAA SPACE 

conference, 2013. http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2013-5439

R.S. Stansbury, M. Towhidnejead, N. Demidovich, C. Greenlow, J. DiNofrio, D. Edwards. Initial flight tests of UAT ADS-B unit 

for suborbital reusable launch vehicles. In Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Conference (ICNS), 2013. 

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6548528

E. Nicolaua, C.M. Poventud-Estradaa, L. Arroyoa, J. Fonsecaa, M. Flynnc, and C.R. Cabrera. Microgravity effects on the 

electrochemical oxidation of ammonia: A parabolic flight experiment. In Electrochimica Acta, Volume 75, Pages 88–93, 2012. 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013468612006482

W. Reiser, B. Runnels, C. White, A. Light-Marquez, A. Zagrai, D. Siler, S. Marinsek, A. Murray, S. Taylor, G. Park, C. Farrar, 

R. Sansom. Design, development, and assembly of sub-orbital space flight structural health monitoring experiment. In Proc. 

SPIE 8348, Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems, 2012.

http://spie.org/Publications/Proceedings/Paper/10.1117/12.918288

M. A. Gibson, D. A. Jaworske, J. Sanzi and D. Ljubanovic. Thermosyphon Flooding in Reduced Gravity Environments Test 

Results. In 10th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, 2012.

http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2012-4049

R. Raj, J. Kim, and J. McQuillen. Pool Boiling Heat Transfer in Microgravity: Results from the Microheater Array Boiling Experiment (MABE) on the International Space Station. In ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, Vol. 134, 2012. 

http://heattransfer.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/article.aspx?articleID=1484399 

G. A. Zimmerli, M. Asipauskas, J. D. Wagner, and J. C. Follo. Propellant Quantity Gauging Using the Radio Frequency Mass 

Gauge. In 49th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2011 (FAST). http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2011-1320

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B. Barnett. Test of Satellite Communications Systems on-board Suborbital Platforms to provide lowcost data communications for Research Payloads, Payload Operators, and Space Vehicle Operators. NSRC-2013.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Barnett_abstract.pdf

C.E. DeForest, G. Laurent, J. Brownsberger, J. Diller, T. Case1, K. Rodway, E. Anderson. The SwRI Solar Instrument 

Pointing Platform (SSIPP). NSRC-2013. http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/DeForest_abstract.pdf

G. Martinez, O. Ma. Test of a satellite inertia identification method using suborbital flight. NSRC-2013.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Martinez_abstract.pdf

S.A. Green. Payload Isolation for Microgravity Research on sRLVs. NSRC-2013.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Green_abstract.pdf

J. Barber. Recovery system considerations in sub-orbital vehicle design and experimental payloads. NSRC-2013. http://

www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Barber_abstract.pdf

A. Zagrai, N. Demidovich, B. Cooper, J. Schlavin, C. White, S. Kessler, J. Macgillivray, S. Chesebrough, L. Magnusion, L. 

Puckett, K. Tena, J. Gutierrez, B. Trujillo1, T. Gonzales. Structural Condition Assessment during High Altitude Stratospheric Balloon Flight. NSRC-2013. http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Zagrai_abstract.pdf

R. Komatireddy, P. Barrett, S.C. Casey, B. Shiro, J. Reimuller. Lessons Learned from Parabolic Flight Testing A Novel 

Wireless Medical Biomonitoring System. NSRC-2013.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Komatireddy_abstract.pdf

R. Komatireddy, P. Barrett, S.C. Casey, B. Shiro, J. Reimuller, E. Seedhouse. The Perfect Fit: Parabolic Flight Testing A 

Novel Biosensor Package. NSRC-2012. http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2012/Site1//PDF/Komatireddy-LS.pdf

C.M. Cuttino. Medical Research in Microgravity: Parabolic Flight as a Pathfinder for Suborbital Experiments. NSRC-2013. 

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Cuttino_abstract.pdf

A. García-Sabaté, N. Méndez, R. González-Cinca. Numerical study on the interaction between oscillating bubbles. 

NSRC-2012. http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2012/Site1//PDF/Garcia-MS.pdf

K.M. Hurlbert, R. Marak, R.C. Kurwitz, M. Ellis. Progress on the Multi-Phase Flow Experiment for Suborbital Testing. 

NSRC-2013. http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Hulbert_abstract.pdf

T. Brady, S. Paschall, D. Zimpfer, R. Loffi. A Next Generation Terrestrial Test Rocket. NSRC-2013.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2013/Site2/PDF/Brady_abstract.pdf

H.T. Smith, L. Dyrud, L. Paxton. An updated perspective on requirements and challenges of using commercial suborbital 

reusable launch vehicles for upper atmospheric/lower ionospheric research. In NSRC-2012.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2012/Site1//PDF/Smith-ATM.pdf

A-L. Paul, R.J. Ferl. Telemetric Biological Imaging for Suborbital Applications. In NSRC-2012.

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/NSRC2012/Site1//PDF/Paul-PSRP.pdf

S.A. Green, D.J. Schenck, J.T. Harduvel, B.T. Weltmer, B.J. Javier, A.L. Zamuner, Vibration Isolation Platform for Microgravity Research Experiments. In American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Annual Meeting, 

2013. https://asgsr.org/images/stories/pdf/Complete_Program_FINAL_2013_Meeting.pdf

J.C. Thibaudeau and B.A. Krause. Deployable Stable Particle Deflector for Nano Satellites. In AIAA Region II Student 

Conference, 2013. http://space.uah.edu/publications/AIAA_Region2_2013/manuscript_Thibaude_02823.pdf

G.M. Pantalos, M.J. Crigger, T.L. Kennedy, J.A. Hayden, T. Montidoro, J.E. Burgess, J.F. Antaki. Parabolic Flight Evaluation of a Hermetic Surgical System for Reduced Gravity. In NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop,

2014. http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/hrp2014/pdf/3030.pdf

M. Rodencal, E. Becnel. ChargerSat-1 prototype development. Poster at 5th Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium, 

2012. http://space.uah.edu/publications/VBS2012/RodencalM_BecnelE_CubeSat_Prototype_VBS.pdf

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Presentations at the Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conferences (NSRC)

Other (selected) examples of posters & presentations
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December 5, 2013: post-landing recovery of the Small Balloon 

System (SBS) gondola carrying the TAMLACE payload testing 

reception of the surrogate Satellite-based ADS-B.

(Photo: Near Space Corporation)
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Platforms

Profiles
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Xombie

Masten Space Systems

Introduction

Since 2009, Masten Space Systems’ Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) have flown trajectories that accurately replicate the 

descent profiles necessary to land spacecraft on the Moon 

and Mars. These profiles feature high speed descent rates at 

low altitudes that cannot be achieved by conventional flight 

test platforms. By utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf hardware 

and strict adherence to narrowly-defined performance and 

functionality requirements, Masten has developed a commercially-proven, repeatable formula for designing, building and 

flying innovative rocket-powered vehicles. Masten's flighttest focused, incremental approach to technology development, design, and reusable operations was hard-wired into 

the company’s DNA on the road leading to its success in the 

2009 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge. 

To date, Masten has completed more than 350 rocket-powered tether flights and more than 40 free flights on 5 different 

reusable rocket-powered launch vehicles. Masten has demonstrated aircraft-like reusability by flying a single vehicle three 

times in a single day and by flying three different vehicles in 

a single week. Masten vehicles routinely execute planetary 

landing trajectories that descend from 500m and include 

cross- and downrange divert maneuvers of up to 800m. 

The maturation of Masten’s core RLV and VTVL precision 

landing capabilities has paved the way for Masten to develop applications in adjacent market segments. In July 2014, 

the company was selected by DARPA as a prime contractor (alongside competing prime contractors Boeing and 

Northrup Grumman) for Phase 1 of DARPA’s “XS-1” reusable 

spaceplane program. The performance of Masten’s XA-0.1-B 

“Xombie” vehicle as a NASA’s Flight Opportunities program 

test platform offered a concrete demonstration of the rapid 

turnaround and reusability that are central XS-1 program objectives. Separately, Masten was competitively selected as a 

commercial partner under NASA’s Lunar Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown (Lunar CATALYST) initiative. Participation in the CATALYST program is accelerating 

Masten’s application of the tenets of its design and build philosophy to the development of a pragmatically cost-effective 

robotic lunar lander that can be integrated with U.S. commercial launch capabilities to deliver payloads to the lunar surface.

Platform

The XA-0.1-B “Xombie” is a fully reusable vertical takeoff and 

vertical landing (VTVL) launch vehicle used for low speed and 

low altitude testing. In the past four years, Masten has conducted ten distinct RLV flight campaigns in support of customers including NASA’s Flight Opportunities program and 

NASA/JPL’s Guidance and Control Analysis Group. 

Flight Profile 

Custom flight profiles are developed to best accommodate 

the mission requirements for each payload flight test. The vehicle has been used to simulate both lunar and Martian landing profiles and is capable of high speed descent rates not 

achievable through helicopter testing. The highest altitude 

flight performed for a payload to date is 499m and the longest 

downrange translation for a payload flight is 804m. Xombie 

is capable of precision landing and has demonstrated 0.24m 

accuracy.

Payload Configuration and Integration

The vehicle is equipped with a hypervisor that enables third 

party guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) systems and 

avionics packages to control Xombie in flight while maintaining Masten’s GN&C as a supervisor and always-on safety net. 

The vehicle can be configured to test a wide range of systems 

and sensors. Masten engineers routinely work with technology developers to develop interfaces between the XA-0.1-B 

and experimental software and hardware tools. Masten’s 

campaign-tested payload qualification and integration processes help provide a streamlined path for technology maturation throughout the course of tool conception, development 

and flight test.

More information: 

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/suborbital/xombie
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Platform

The SpaceLoftTM is a reusable launch vehicle that was developed by UP Aerospace in 2006 as a microgravity research 

platform for education, scientific research, and commercial 

payloads. The vehicle consists of an expendable carbon 

composite solid rocket booster, avionics and recovery section, and a payload bay. The SpaceLoftTM launch system 

is designed with robust margins of safety, and redundancy 

throughout all mission critical systems.The first test flight of 

SpaceLoftTM occurred in September of 2006 with the first 

mission to successfully reach space in April of 2007. The 

SpaceLoftTM payload delivery system has flown commercially 

over 10 times with over 40 payload customers, is flight proven 

and fully operational.

Flight Profile

SpaceLoftTM is ground launched from Spaceport America 

using a remote hydraulic launcher and automated launch 

systems. The solid rocket motor burns for 12 seconds and 

reaches space within 60 seconds. A de-spin system slows 

the roll rate to near zero when microgravity experiments can 

begin to be conducted. The payload section remains weightless in excess of 4 minutes.

During the re-entry phase of the flight the booster section is 

released and the payload and recovery sections are balanced 

to trim in a horizontal orientation to slow the vehicle. At about 

a mile above the ground, redundant onboard controls release 

the drogue parachute system which orientates the payload 

section in a vertical heads-down attitude. Ten seconds after 

drogue deployment, the main parachute is released and provides a soft landing on White Sands Missile Range. UP Aerospace and Army recovery crews are immediately dispatched 

to the landing site to retrieve the payload(s). The payloads are 

flown back to Spaceport America where they are unloaded 

from the payload bay and provide back to the customers onsite.

Payload Configuration and Integration

The heart of the SpaceLoftTM payload delivery system is the 

patent pending Payload Transportation SystemTM (PTS). Each 

standard SpaceLoftTM mission contains seven PTS containers 

with a choice of two different sizes. The PTS10 is the larger of 

the two with internal dimensions measuring 23.5 cm tall and 

a diameter of 24.8 cm. The PTS4 internal dimensions are 8.3 

cm in height and a diameter of 24.8 cm. All PTS containers 

have access to the space environment through an opening in 

the vehicle airframe and access panels. Options for each PTS 

include discrete command, power modules, and telemetry 

which can be customized to match specific payload requirements.

Once a payloader is signed up to a particular mission, the 

PTS container(s) are provided directly to the payloader to begin payload configuration, layout and mechanical mounting of 

hardware. Following a successful Payload Readiness Review, 

the PTS containers are then shipped back to UP Aerospace 

to complete the payload integration process and certification 

for flight onboard the SpaceLoftTM.

More information: 

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/suborbital/spaceloft-xl

SpaceLoft-XL

UP Aerospace
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Tycho 20/285

World View Enterprises

Introduction

Holding world records in manned and unmanned high altitude ballooning, flight operations and aerodynamic descent, 

World View is capable of performing a wide range of mission operations and accommodating unique payload requirements. World View is changing how the edge of space is used 

for research and education, from development of a concept 

through proposal support and successfully flying missions on 

a commercially operated vehicle. 

Platform

The Tycho stratocraft is named after the Danish astronomer 

Tycho Brahe (1546–1601). As Brahe was the source of data 

used by others to make powerful discoveries, Tycho stratocraft provide researchers stratospheric access to make new 

discoveries. The Tycho platform is modular, allowing it to be 

customized for a wide variety of unique mission needs including telemetry, payload control, power and thermal control. 

World View has missions manifested for up to 4,000 kg at a 

variety of altitudes. We also offer two standard Tycho platforms for specific payload mass ranges. Tycho285, the larger 

of the two, carries payloads up to 285 kg to altitudes of up to 

43 km. Tycho20, the smaller of the two, can launch payloads 

up to 20 kg to altitudes of 32 km. Tycho20 requires less infrastructure than that needed to launch and operate the much 

larger Tycho285. However, Tycho20 can also be configured to 

be launched to higher altitudes up to 46 km. The two-vehicle 

Tycho stratocraft family provides cost savings for small payload masses while also offering proven heavy-lift capability. 

Both Tycho stratocraft share the same avionics, balloon envelope technology, and similar recovery systems. 

Flight Profile

World View has performed flights with the Tycho stratocraft 

systems with payloads ranging from 2 to 285 kg, with durations ranging from 5 minutes to 12 hours at target float altitudes varying from 15 to 41.5 km. These systems share heritage with those used for the record-setting StratEx manned 

balloon flights performed in October 2014. World View also 

has the capability to launch and fly payloads up to 4,500 kg 

into the stratosphere, and welcomes the opportunity to discuss and plan such missions directly.

Payload Configuration

Tycho285 allows direct connection of a single payload to the 

vehicle or via a payload support module (PSM) that facilitates 

payload integration and allows for a number of smaller individual payloads onto a single flight. Tycho20 uses a simple 

Payload Support Frame (PSF) for payload attachment. A 

summary of the standard Tycho stratocraft interfaces is provided in the Payload User’s Guide available at the link below.

More information:

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/balloon/tycho
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HASS SBS/NBS

Near Space Corporation Near Space Corporation

Small Balloon System

The Small Balloon System (SBS) offers many of the advantages of the High Altitude Balloon System (HASS), but exchanges 

the tactical launch system and gliding payload return vehicle 

for the simplicity of a traditional high altitude balloon vehicle 

with a parachute recovery system. Standard SBS flights can 

lift payloads of up to 10 kg to altitudes of 35 km for flights of 

up to six hours. Non-standard options include larger payload 

masses, higher altitudes, longer flight durations, and remote 

launch sites. The system is approved for flights outside of 

a normal test range environment, with standard operations 

conducted out of NSC’s Tillamook (OR) Balloon Facility. The 

SBS is well suited for small satellite and spacecraft subsystem 

developers wanting to raise their Technology Readiness Level 

(TRL) and qualify their payload in a relevant environment.

Nano Balloon System

The Nano Balloon System (NBS) is an ideal platform for cubesat developers seeking to test their prototype in a space-like 

relevant environment. Standard flights can lift fully self-contained 1U CubeSats (1 kg, 10 cm sided cube) to altitudes 

of 30 km for flights of up to six hours. Several non-standard 

options are available, including a variety of standard or custom thermal insulated housings to accommodate different 

payload shapes and volumes, as well as the ability to send 

limited payload commands and provide onboard data recording. Standard flights are conducted out of NSC’s Tillamook 

(OR) Balloon Facility, and, due to its small size and mass, the 

Nano Balloon System can be operated under less restrictive 

regulations with increased operational flexibility. This system is 

ideal for payload providers seeking a quick and simple solution for operating a small passive payload in the near space 

environment.

Platform

NSC’s patent pending High Altitude Shuttle System (HASS)

combines an innovative Tactical Balloon Launch System with 

a special high altitude unmanned Shuttle for payload recovery.

Flight Profile

The Tactical Balloon Launch System (TBLS) provides an unprecedented level of launch flexibility and responsiveness. 

Launching conventional stratospheric balloons typically requires relatively calm winds, established launch sites, and 

large support teams. The TBLS allows 2-3 persons to launch 

balloon-borne payloads from undeveloped remote launch 

sites in winds of up to 30 kts. This enhances the ability to 

overfly specific targets or fly desired profiles. The Shuttle semiautonomously returns payloads to pre-specified landing sites, 

allowing payloads to be rapidly turned around and reused in 

reflights. Payload providers desiring enhanced flight path control or the ability to make iterative payload changes between 

frequent, high altitude flight tests will find NSC’s HASS to be 

an appropriate platform.

Payload Configuration

Standard HASS flights can lift payloads of up to 10 kg to altitudes of 28 km for flights of up to six hours. Non-standard options include higher altitudes and longer flight durations. For 

HASS, the primary payload bay is comprised of the center 

section of the Shuttle with payload attachment and access 

provided through its bottom hatch. This composite payload 

tray/hatch serves as the ‘framework’ onto which the payload 

is mounted. The standard HASS avionics suite is mounted on 

the forward part of the tray just prior to launch. All other real 

estate on the payload tray is available for primary payload use 

within the enclosed physical constraints of the Shuttle centerbody, the 10 kg (22 lbs) maxmum payload weight limit, and 

specified center of gravity (CG) constraints.

More information on all three platforms:

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/balloon/nsc
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G-Force One

NASA C9
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C9 G-Force One

NASA/JSC Reduced Gravity Office Zero Gravity Corporation

Platform

The Boeing 727-200F is a three-engine, swept-wing aircraft 

specially modified for reduced gravity operations. The interior 

contains 38 seats for researchers & crew in the rear of the 

aircraft and an open research area approximately 20m (67ft) 

long in the forward section of the cabin. Seats in the rear can 

be utilized for smaller experiments as well. 

Payload Configuration

A floor plan schematic and cross sectional view of the cabin is 

available in the Interface Control Documentation. Test equipment is usually loaded through the cargo door, which is 2.3m 

(90 inches) high and 3.4m (134 inches) wide.

Note: Until June of 2014, ZGC G-Force One flight operations 

for the Flight Opportunities program were managed by the 

NASA/JSC Reduced Gravity Office (RGO). After June 30, 

2014, Zero Gravity Corporation solely operates as a commercial company.

More information: 

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/parabolic/gforce-one

Platform

The Boeing C-9B is a two-engine, swept-wing aircraft similar 

to the McDonnell Douglas DC-9. NASA obtained the aircraft 

in August 2003 and modified it to support the Reduced Gravity Program. The C-9B is operated as a ‘public use’ aircraft 

within the meaning of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as 

amended. The interior contains 20 seats for researchers & 

crew in the rear of the aircraft. Approximately 45 feet of cabin 

length is available for test purposes. Seats in the rear can be 

utilized for smaller experiments as well.

Payload Configuration

A floor plan schematic and cross sectional view of the cabin is 

available in the Interface Control Documentation. Test equipment is usually loaded through the cargo door, which is 2m 

(78 inches) high and 3.4m (135 inches) wide. 

More information: 

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/parabolic/c9

Parabolic Flight Profile (for both aircraft)

The reduced gravity environment is achieved by flying the aircraft through a series of parabolic maneuvers. 

This results in short periods of less than one “g” acceleration. The length of these reduced gravity periods depend on the “g” level required for the specific test and the specifics of the aircraft. Approximate durations are: 

negative-g to 1/10-g 15 sec, zero-g 23 seconds, Lunar (1/6-g) 30 seconds, Martian (1/3-g) 40 seconds. These 

maneuvers may be flown consecutively (i.e. roller coaster fashion) or separated by enough time to alter the test 

setup. Each parabola is initiated with a 1.8-g pull-up and terminated with a 1.8-g pullout. Normal missions, 

lasting approximately two hours, consist of 40 parabolic maneuvers, and originate and terminate at Ellington 

Field in Houston, Texas. The test area in both aircraft is equipped with electrical power, portable compressed 

gas racks, an overboard vent, accelerometer data, and photo lights. Workspace is available on the ground for 

buildup and checkout of test equipment to ensure its operation before installation in the airplane.
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SpaceShipTwo

Platform

SpaceShipTwo (SS2), an air-launched, suborbital space 

plane, uses similar technologies, construction methods, and 

design features as SpaceShipOne (SS1), the Ansari XPRIZEwinning vehicle developed by Scaled Composites. SS2 is 

18.3 m (60 ft) long with a large cabin approximately 2.3 m 

(90 in.) in diameter that is designed to carry the equivalent of 

six passengers and two pilots. Close in size to a Falcon 900 

executive jet, the cabin is able to provide ample room for passengers to experience weightlessness or for large payloads to 

operate in the microgravity environment.

Flight Profile

A standard space flight for SS2 begins with the vehicle mated 

to a carrier aircraft called WhiteKnightTwo (WK2), a four-engine, dual-fuselage jet. The mated pair takes off from a conventional runway and climbs to an altitude of approximately 

15 km (50,000 ft.). At this altitude, SS2 is released from WK2 

and, after gaining adequate separation, fires its rocket motor for approximately one minute. The vehicle quickly pulls in 

a vertical climb and rapidly gains altitude, reaching expected 

Virgin Galactic

speeds around Mach 3.5. After rocket motor cutoff, the vehicle is designed to provide astronauts or payloads a highquality microgravity environment for approximately 3-4 minutes. SS2 reenters the atmosphere in a patented ‘feathered’ 

configuration, providing reentry at known conditions for increased safety and decreased loads. After reentry, the vehicle 

is reconfigured as a glider and makes an unpowered landing 

on the same runway used for initial takeoff.

Payload Configuration

SpaceShipTwo has standard cabin configurations for tourism 

flights, which provide seats for customers, and for research 

flights, which provide a modular rack system for payloads. 

The payload rack hardware is capable of interfacing directly 

with Space Shuttle Middeck Lockers as well as other standard or custom structures of varying size that follow similar 

interfacing requirements. Each payload can range in size from 

an experiment that can fit inside a Middeck Locker to a 100 

kg system that takes up the full volume of an astronaut-seat 

equivalent. Each standard research flight is supported by a 

Flight Test Engineer in the cabin, who will be able to complete 

simple tasks such as payload power activation in-flight.

More information:

flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/suborbital/spaceshiptwo
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For more information, visit:

http://flightopportunities.nasa.gov

http://flickr.com/nasafo/sets

http://twitter.com/nasafo

For questions/comments, please contact nasa-flightopportunities@nasa.gov

Authored by Alexander van Dijk
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August 20, 2014: Terry Lee from the 

JSC/Reduced Gravity Office floats 

from the cockpit of the NASA C9 

aircraft during one of the zero-g 

parabolas of the RGO-16 campaign. 

(Photo: NASA/Lauren Harnett)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Edwards, California 93523

www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong

www.nasa.gov

NASA/SP-2015-218834

Commercial Flight Opportunities

for the Rapid Development of 

Space Technology