NASA Chooses Six Innovative Companies for Groundbreaking Orbital Transfer Vehicle Research

NASA has chosen six companies to study cheaper ways to launch and deliver various spacecraft to hard-to-reach orbits.

These awards, totaling around $1.4 million, include nine different studies. The selected companies are:

• Arrow Science and Technology LLC (Webster, Texas)
• Blue Origin LLC (Merritt Island, Florida)
• Firefly Aerospace Inc. (Cedar Park, Texas)
• Impulse Space Inc. (Redondo Beach, California)
• Rocket Lab (Long Beach, California)
• United Launch Services LLC (Centennial, Colorado)

Joe Dant from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center noted, “As commercial space delivery grows, we want companies to show how they can support our needs for delivering multiple spacecraft to tough orbits. This will enhance scientific opportunities and lower our mission costs.”

Each company will research future uses for orbital transfer vehicles in NASA missions. Here’s a closer look at their plans:

Arrow Science and Technology will collaborate with Quantum Space to explore their Ranger spacecraft, designed for rapid delivery to various destinations, including lunar orbit.

Blue Origin will conduct two studies. One focuses on their Blue Ring platform, which can deliver payloads while utilizing a hybrid propulsion system. The other will examine an upper stage for their New Glenn rocket.

Firefly Aerospace will look into the Elytra orbital vehicles for on-demand payload services and long-term operations in lunar orbit.

Impulse Space will investigate two vehicles: Mira, a high-thrust craft for deploying payloads, and Helios, which specializes in transporting payloads to various orbits.

Rocket Lab plans studies on the Neutron rocket’s upper stage and a long-lasting orbital transfer vehicle that can reach destinations like the Moon and Mars.

United Launch Services will evaluate an enhanced version of the Centaur V upper stage, capable of delivering multiple payloads in cislunar space without needing extra stages.

These studies aim to be completed by mid-September. The insights gained will help NASA shape its future missions and approach to sourcing commercial launches. This initiative also aims to improve access to space for scientific endeavors at a lower cost.

According to a recent report, the commercial space market is expected to grow significantly, potentially reaching $1 trillion by 2040. This underscores the importance of these studies as they align with the push for more affordable and efficient space services.

NASA’s efforts are part of the VADR (Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare Launch Services) contract, which encourages growth in the U.S. commercial launch sector. For more details on NASA’s Launch Services Program, visit the official website: NASA Launch Services Program.

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