Advanced Space Propulsion Research

The contract seeks to advance early-stage propulsion technologies for deep space exploration by moving concepts from Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 2 up to levels 2 to 3 through theoretical modeling, feasibility assessments, and preliminary design efforts. The focus is on innovative propulsion systems that hold potential for enabling future missions beyond low Earth orbit, requiring rigorous analysis of novel physics, materials, or energy conversion methods to establish technical viability. Research must demonstrate clear progression in maturity, with deliverables that document conceptual breakthroughs, performance projections, and identification of key technical risks or showstoppers. This subcontract, issued by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate under NAICS code 541715, is open for responses until August 13, 2026, with proposals expected to align with NASA's broader goals for transformative space propulsion. The work is not tied to a specific geographic location and is aimed at academic institutions, research organizations, or private entities with expertise in advanced aerospace systems. Although no set-aside provisions are specified, applicants must be prepared to deliver technically robust, well-documented findings that can inform subsequent development phases and potentially feed into future NASA mission architectures. The solicitation remains active through NASA’s NSPIRES platform.