NEWS NOTES NASA Seeks Proposals for Deep Space Habitation Prototypes
More information on the BAA can be found at: http://go.nasa.gov/1WdhCG5 For additional information on NextSTEP BAA, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nextstep NASA is soliciting proposals for the development of prototypes for deep space habitats that will give astronauts a Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visit place to call home during long-duration missions supporting Indian Wildlife Rescue Center the agency’s Journey to Mars. The solicitation, Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 (NextSTEP-2), is a follow-on to the NextSTEP Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) released in October 2014 and requesting industry proposals for concept studies and technology development projects in the areas of habitation, advanced propulsion and small satellites. NASA’s Orion crew spacecraft and Space Launch System are the agency’s first major components for establishing a human presence in deep space. With these transportation systems progressing toward their maiden flight in 2018, NASA now is looking toward investments in deep space habitation — the next major component of human space exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. NextSTEP is a public-private partnership model that seeks commercial development of deep space exploration capabilities to support more extensive human spaceflight missions in the proving ground of space around the moon, known as cislunar Prince William and Princess Kate bottle fed orphaned elephant calves and space, and to enable transit to Mars. This partnership model baby rhinos at IFAW/WTI’s animal rescue center in Kaziranga, India. enables NASA to obtain innovative concepts and support private industry commercialization plans for low-Earth orbit. KAZIRANGA, India, PRNewswire-USNewswire “NASA is increasingly embracing public-private partnerships to expand capabilities, and opportunities in On April 13, the International Fund for Animal Welfare space,” said Jason Crusan, director of NASA’s Advanced (IFAW) and the Wildlife Trust of India welcomed the Duke and Exploration Systems (AES) Division, which sponsors Duchess of Cambridge to the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation NextSTEP. “Our NextSTEP partners commit their own and Conservation (CWRC), where they witnessed first-hand corporate resources toward the development — making them orphaned Asian elephants and rhinos and other injured wildlife a true partner in the spaceflight economy.” and met the dedicated staff that rescue and care for these Under Appendix A of the NextSTEP-2 Ominbus BAA, the animals. agency is providing the opportunity for additional contractors British Royal couple Prince William and Princess Kate were to join those already under contract through the previous on a week-long visit to India and Bhutan during second week NextSTEP BAA. Proposals will include plans for an evolvable of April. approach to long-duration deep space habitation and the “We are delighted that their Royal Highnesses made time development of full-size, ground prototype habitat units no in their busy tour schedule to visit the IFAW- WTI center and later than 2018. meet staff and the animals under care,” said Azzedine Downes, Eligible applicants from U.S. companies, universities, and IFAW President and CEO. “With elephants and rhinos in non-profit organizations must submit proposals electronically particular facing an uncertain future due to habitat loss, human by 5 p.m. EDT June 15. Notices of intent should be provided by conflict and poaching, IFAW is pleased that the Duke and 5 p.m. May 13. Proposers will have a chance to ask questions Duchess are able to raise public awareness of these threats to about this particular solicitation during an industry forum on an international audience.” Monday, April 25. Additional inquiries must be submitted in The Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation writing by Monday, May 2 as directed in the solicitation. (CWRC) is the leading wildlife rehabilitation facility in India NextSTEP is an example of NASA’s increased commitment and is a joint effort of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the to partnering with industry to stimulate the growth of International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Assam commercial industry in space while enabling NASA’s human Forest Department (AFD). exploration mission. At the center, the Royal couple will be escorted by Vivek NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division pioneers Menon, Senior Advisor at IFAW and Executive Director of WTI, innovative approaches to rapidly and affordably develop Mr. Downes, the Center Manager, Rathin Burman, and prototype systems for future human exploration missions. veterinarian Dr. Panjit Basumatary. The Duke and Duchess fed Learn more about AES at: and walked with elephant calves, met their keepers, and viewed https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/aes/index.html a wide range of rescued wildlife including baby rhinos. Saathee.com
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