Insider Brief:
- NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is adjusting its approach to technology development to address critical needs for future space exploration and science objectives.
- The agency has identified nearly 190 national space technology needs and is reaching out to the American aerospace community for feedback.
- The compiled feedback will be used to create a prioritized list of needs, which will be made available to the public.
NASA has announced that its Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is adjusting its approach to technology development to address critical needs for future space exploration and science objectives. In the announcement, Dr. Kurt Vogel, associate administrator for Space Technology at NASA Headquarters, discussed the importance of collaboration and innovation in tackling the challenges posed by ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
NASA identified nearly 190 national space technology needs and is reaching out to the American aerospace community for feedback. The agency is looking to gather insights on key areas such as additive manufacturing, cryogenic fluid management, and in-situ resource utilization to better align its efforts with mission requirements.
Over the next month, stakeholders from U.S. industry, academia, and other government agencies will participate in virtual meetings and provide input on critical technology shortfalls. NASA will then compile the feedback to create a prioritized list of needs, which will be made available to the public.
The agency plans to evaluate its existing technology development efforts against these priorities, potentially leading to changes within its portfolio and new investments in critical areas. This initiative is expected to not only support NASA’s missions but also stimulate growth in commercial markets and contribute to the U.S. space economy.
Looking ahead, NASA intends to engage the community annually to reassess its investment strategies and ensure alignment with stakeholder needs. Dr. Vogel emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and consistency in the prioritization process, aiming to build trust and provide a valuable tool for guiding future investments in civil space technology.
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