WASHINGTON, April 17 (UPI) -- NASA is seeking proposals for sub-orbital technology payloads, vehicle enhancements, onboard facilities and small spacecraft propulsion technologies.
The organization's Space Technology Mission Directorate said the technologies selected would eventually be flown to the edge of space and back aboard commercial sub-orbital vehicles for advanced testing before their enhancement or use in space.
"Investing in transformative technology development is critical to enable NASA's future missions and benefits the greater American aerospace community," said James Reuther, deputy associate administrator for programs in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate.
"NASA Space Tech's Game Changing Development and Flight Opportunities Programs are working with our partners from America's emerging sub-orbital flight community to foster frequent and predictable commercial access to near-space while allowing for cutting-edge technology development."
Proposals, from U.S. or non-U.S. organizations, are due by June 17. The agency is expected to make as many as 18 awards this summer. The amount of the awards will generally range $50,000-$250,000, the agency said.
