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

B -- RFI-ANALYSIS OF SPACE SYSTEMS AND NANO-AND MICRO-TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS DUE 082298 POC Denise Stovall, Contract Specialist, Phone (256) 544-5545, Fax (256) 544-6062, Email Denise.Stovall@msfc.nasa.gov -- Harry B. Craig, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-0515, Fax (256) 544-4401, Email harry.craig@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/date.html#GP49-73098. E-MAIL: Denise Stovall, Denise.Stovall@msfc.nasa.gov. NASA/MSFC plans to issue a RFI via the internet, on or about July 30, 1998. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. INTRODUCTION: NASA solicits information to obtain ideas relating to analysis of space systems and nano-and micro-technology systems. Current technology requires that a significant fraction of spacecraft weight be devoted to the structure, power, data, and telemetry subsystems. Only a relatively small fraction of the weight is allocated to the actual scientific instruments which constitute the core and rationale of any particular mission. With nano-and micro-technology developing rapidly, a nonconventional approach to space mission design may be in the offing. A future where ensembles of autonomous micromachines programmed for specific scientific tasks using scavenged, in-situ raw materials may soon become a reality. Companies, research institutions, universities or consortiums thereof with a demonstrated understanding of space systems and expertise in nano-and micro-technology and systems, are sought with the intent of working with NASA on a study of innovative applications of the technology for future space science and exploration missions. Comments and technical questions in response to this RFI may be forwarded to: Les Johnson(STMP:les.johnson@msfc.nasa.gov) or by telephone at 256-544-0614 no later than August 22, 1998. In responding reference GP49-73098. An ombudsman has been appointed -- See Internet Note "B". Posted 07/31/98 (D-SN231051). (0212)

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