NASA is looking in unlikely places for innovative technologies that could significantly reduce the cost of launching payloads to orbit. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., issued a NASA Research Announcement on Friday for its Bantam System Technology Project. For example, we may receive proposals for propellant tanks from companies who make containment tanks for other uses such as dairy products, wine or chemicals.
Industry can then develop it for future application.
Proposals are due to Marshall for evaluation in two cycles, the first in June and the second in July. The first phase focuses on low cost components to be demonstrated in ground testing including an engine, propellant delivery systems, tanks, pressurization and pneumatic systems, associated structures and electronics. This activity is part of NASA's initiative to explore new propulsion technologies for the future.