A -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR MARS ASCENT VEHICLE

Notice Date

January 22, 2001

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

35812

E-Mail Address

George E. Pendley (george.pendley@msfc.nasa.gov)

Description

THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION ISSUANCE. NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center is hereby soliciting information on potential sources interested in participating in studies for a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued by NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center for statements of interest and background from potential study partners for use in structuring a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) study. This RFI solicits input from the launch vehicle/propulsion community having a working background in launch vehicles/propulsion and having understanding of the Martian environment as it affects design, test and operations of a MAV. This solicitation is seeking input from potential participants in the form of identification of interest and background/experience that would support a MAV study. NASA has an objective of bringing Mars surface and/or atmospheric samples (soil, rocks, atmosphere) to Earth for detailed study and analyses. An integral system within the overall mission is the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) that will lift the packaged Mars samples from the Martian surface and insert them beyond Mars influence so that they may be returned to Earth. Trade studies are being planned that include concepts utilizing MAV propulsion systems based on solid, storable, cryogenic fuels. Options to be considered include a MAV that will support sample return utilizing Mars orbit rendezvous, a MAV that will support sample return utilizing deep space rendezvous and a MAV that will support sample return utilizing direct return to Earth. This notice is to seek industry statements of interest and identification of capability in performing or supporting trade studies for MAV. The study scope may range from systems evaluations to detailed assessments of MAV elements. The MAV areas of study could include but are not limited to: 1. MAV launch systems and subsystems (system definition, performance, mass definition, etc.) 2. MAV Mars surface operations 3. MAV environmental protection 4. Planetary Quarantine 5. MAV Payload attachment NASA is considering the possibility of soliciting proposals from industry in Calendar Year 2001 for studies to support assessment of the MAV. The current planning is to have an MAV Study Request for Proposals (RFP) release in the March 2001 timeframe. The study results will be one part of a process (but not the only means) used to develop an approach for a MAV. NASA is interested in determining the potential study participants, their areas of expertise and their qualifications. Please forward all comments and statements of interest to this notice by February 2, 2001 to Mr. George E. Pendley at the following address: NASA, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office/PS52-A, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812. This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. Any questions regarding this announcement should be directed to the identified point of contact.

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=62#RFI-1-20-2001)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010124/SPMSC008.HTM (D-020 SN50B3V8)