NASA Invests in Small Businesses to Drive Innovation

NASA is taking a significant step towards driving innovation in space technology by awarding funding to nearly 250 small business teams. This investment is part of the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, which aims to support NASA’s future missions.

The selected companies will receive $150,000 each to develop new technologies that address agency priorities, such as carbon neutrality and energy storage for various applications in space and on Earth. This investment is a testament to NASA’s commitment to creating and elevating technologies that can make a significant impact.

“NASA is proud to continue its commitment to the creation and elevation of technologies that blaze trails in space and on Earth,” said Jenn Gustetic, director of early-stage innovation and partnerships for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.

One of the firms working to address carbon neutrality is Exquadrum Inc., a minority-owned small business in Victorville, California. Their proposed technology offers higher energy conversion efficiency with no emission of pollutants, making it a game-changer for the industry.

Exquadrum’s proposed technology could contribute to NASA’s effort to make the U.S. carbon neutral by 2050.

The propulsion system is compact and lightweight compared to current systems, making it ideal for space exploration. The fuel and its products are safe to handle, and the propulsion system is reliable under extreme weather conditions. This technology has the potential to aid the exploration of planets that have atmospheres like that of Mars.

Mars exploration could become more efficient with Exquadrum’s propulsion system.

The SBIR and STTR programs are crucial in supporting NASA’s future missions. By investing in small businesses and research institutions, NASA is fostering innovation and driving progress in space technology.

NASA’s investment in small businesses is driving innovation in space technology.

The complete list of this year’s SBIR and STTR awardees is available online. This investment is a significant step towards creating a better future for space exploration and beyond.

NASA’s investment in small businesses is driving innovation in space technology.