Dec 21, 2010

David E Steitz Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730 david steitz@nasa gov

Leslie Williams Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif 661-276-3893 leslie a williams@nasa gov

RELEASE: 10-345

NASA SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR TECHNOLOGY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATIONS AND INFORMATION ABOUT SUBORBITAL FLIGHT SERVICES

WASHINGTON -- NASA is seeking proposals from researchers interested in testing new technologies during suborbital flights The agency also is requesting information from commercial suborbital reusable launch vehicle providers and commercial payload integrators about carrying the technology payloads

The selected payloads will fly on aircraft that provide parabolic flight trajectories and on suborbital reusable launch vehicles capable of flying to altitudes above 62 miles The flights will expose the payloads to reduced gravity and near-zero gravity environments

"During these flights, researchers will be able to test their technologies in a range of microgravity environments and share their data with NASA -- data NASA can use when planning future missions," said Bobby Braun, NASA chief technologist at the agency's headquarters in Washington

The solicitation is being made by NASA's Flight Opportunities Program, which is designed to foster development of a commercial reusable suborbital transportation industry while developing new technologies and improving microgravity research When available, such reusable vehicles will provide lower-cost, more frequent, and more reliable access to space

Technology flights are expected to reduce risks associated with emerging technologies and procedures, and overall space operations in future missions, by demonstrating applications in a relevant environment

The solicitation for suborbital flights is open until Dec 31, 2014 Applications for the first round of flights are due by Jan 31, 2011 Responses to the request for information about services of commercial suborbital reusable launch vehicle providers are due Jan 20, 2011 Participation in both activities is open to all categories of organizations

The Flight Opportunities Program, part of NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist, integrates the existing Commercial Reusable Suborbital Research and Facilitated Access to the Space Environment for Technology programs The Flight Opportunities Program is managed at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif

The announcement of opportunity can be viewed at:

http://go usa gov/rlq

For more information about NASA's Flight Opportunities Program, visit:

http://flightopportunities nasa gov

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