NASA SBIR Selects 107 Projects: Grants $93.5 Million For Space Projects

NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funds new space technology ideas. It believes that new ideas from innovators must be utilized for technological advancement in new space.

To be precise, NASA SBIR selects 107 projects for funding. The news was recently announced with grants of up to $93.5 million for multiple space projects. So, let’s find out about them.

What Kind of Companies Did SBIR Fund?

SBIR program granted $93.5 million in Phase II contracts to 95 selected small businesses to bring nearly 107 ideas to life.

• Phase II contracts’ maximum funding is $750,000 with POP (period of performance) up to 24 months

Interestingly, nearly 80% of the small businesses employ less than 50 people. Furthermore, 20% of the companies are getting their hands on the Phase II award, valued at up to $85,000 each, for the first time.

NASA has been actively fast-racking its space projects, whether it’s Artemis LEMS, Space X Crew-7, or the Nikon Cameras Space Act. Similarly, small businesses were qualified to apply for up to $50,000 in technical and business assistance program funding. This way, the businesses can find new market opportunities.

The awardees have two years to implement their plans and bring them closer to reality and real-world use. The plan should focus on each business’ path to commercialization.

NASA SBIR Selects 107 Projects – Which Companies Are Among the 95?

First and foremost, New Frontier Aerospace and Hybrid Space Systems from Washington state were among the 95 companies that won funding from NASA via the SBIR program.

As the grant focuses on technologies and innovations eligible to advance NASA’s initiatives in aeronautics and space, NASA SBIR selects 107 projects based on the mentioned qualification.

NASA SBIR Selects 107 Projects. Image Credit: Social Media.

In the case of New Frontier, it is working on multiple rocket-powered spacecraft and aircraft. The agency will use the grant to create Bifrost. It is an orbital transfer spacecraft designed to be powered by the Mjolnir rocket engine, the company’s 3D-printed engine.

Hybrid is also developing the RT-5X. It is a retrobreaking propulsion system. It can be used to get inactive spacecraft down from Earth’s low orbit.

On another note, why don’t you check out Zuck Announces Meta Horizon OS Partners?

Are there Any Other Confirmed Awardees?

Yes, as NASA SBIR Selects 107 Projects, the Phase II SBIR includes two small businesses from Oregon. The first is a Portland-based The Innovative Factory. It is working on an AI-based system for air traffic management.

Similarly, another one is Wilsonville-based IRPI. It is creating tools for analyzing and handling scientific samples in low-gravity surroundings.