NASA picks proposals

NASA has selected research and technology proposals from 254 small businesses and 39 research institutions in the United States for grants to develop new technologies that will further NASA's journey to Mars. Proposals were solicited through NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Proposals that lead to the successful development of ideas and products could result in contracts with a combined approximate value of $47.7 million. NASA is funding proposals that will enable space transportation for human and robotic missions, new ways to protect astronauts in space, and innovative ways to keep spacecraft systems operational. A dozen selected proposals involve technology being administered by the Office of the Chief Technologist at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, Miss., each worth up to $125,000 in the Phase 1 period. (Source: NASA, 05/08/15)