NASA, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

A -- BANTAM LAUNCH SYSTEM SOL NRA 8-15 POC Contact Technical Representative Daniel J. Davis, EP01, 205-544-3145/ Contracting Officer, Mark Stiles, GP54, 205-544-0381, Contract Specialist, Kimberly J. Adams, GP54-I, 205-544-3689 NASA plans to issue a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) to solicit proposals for innovative design and low cost manufacturing technologies for reducing the cost of orbiting small payloads. The high cost of space launch remains a central barrier to the expansion of research activity in near-earth space, particularly for lightweight research payloads. NASA is seeking to mitigate this problem through a technology development program enabling low- cost earth-to-orbit (ETO) transportation systems utilizing system level technology demonstration flights to validate and demonstrate the operational maturity of low-cost component and sub-system technologies. This program intends to demonstrate technologies leading to delivery of small payloads to a low earth orbit for an operational cost much lower than that of traditional launches. Elements of the technology will potentially be integrated for use with other advanced transportation technologies. The focus of this technology development program will be on developing designs to demonstrate low-cost manufacturing, low-cost materials, low-cost operations, and low-cost launch vehicle system and sub-system technologies. NASA is encouraging non- traditional suppliers and small businesses not traditionally associated with space flight as well as traditional suppliers with low-cost development ideas to participate. It is envisioned that these activities will lead to a new launch service developed by commercial industry. The NRA will solicit proposals for technology development and designs leading to low cost components, sub-systems, and low-cost launch systems as well as integrator to coordinate the synthesis of the technology demonstration test articles and flight demonstration validation testing. NASA will offer to provide resources including analysis, design, test, fabrication, facilities, and other equipment within the capabilities and resources of the various NASA field centers. Firm date for receipt of proposals will be stated in the NRA. NRA will be released approximately 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Request for NRA must be in writing. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. (0095)

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