NASA has selected 41 proposals from 37 companies to accelerate space technology development through its 2025 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO). These partnerships, which involve no exchange of funds, provide companies with access to NASA’s specialized facilities and technical expertise to advance lunar and Martian exploration capabilities, according to official agency records.
How does the NASA collaboration model work?
NASA’s ACO program facilitates technology maturity by offering private firms access to agency hardware, software, and subject matter experts. According to Greg Stover, director, Advanced Research and Technology Division in the agency’s Research and Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, this framework allows the agency to foster a robust space economy while rapidly developing capabilities for future missions. Since the program’s inception in 2015, NASA has supported over 110 projects. While the agency provides no direct funding, the total value of resources contributed to these agreements is approximately $30 million, which the agency reports is leveraged by an additional $32 million in industry contributions.
The current cohort of selected projects is expected to have a performance duration of 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific technical milestones negotiated for each agreement.
What are the primary focus areas for new space technology?
Industry partners are targeting technology topics that would benefit from the rapid development enabled by a public-private partnership, including space transportation engine elements, guidance and navigation systems, landing systems, in-space servicing assembly and manufacturing, and energy management technologies. Lockheed Martin, for example, is developing a modular, compact energy solution designed to operate in the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions. According to NASA, this system uses wireless power-beaming technology and fiber lasers to ensure equipment survives the long lunar night.
How will companies manage orbital and surface hazards?
Private firms are addressing specific environmental challenges, such as debris management and abrasive lunar dust. Kall Morris Inc. is developing “Asteria,” a supplemental payload system that uses a non-destructive, controlled-release adhesive to attach to orbital assets. According to NASA, this allows for satellite life extension and improved object tracking without the need for pre-installed infrastructure. Meanwhile, Moonprint Solutions, a small business, is designing flexible, conformable isolation covers to protect robotic joints and rovers from abrasive dust in the harsh lunar environment.
Comparison: Public-Private Resource Allocation
| Metric | NASA Contribution | Industry Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Value | $30 Million | $32 Million |
If your organization is looking to partner with NASA, monitor the NASA website for future solicitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does NASA provide cash grants through the ACO? No. The ACO program is a non-funded partnership where NASA provides technical resources, facilities, and expertise in exchange for the advancement of technologies that benefit agency missions.
- How long do these partnerships last? Agreements typically range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the technology being developed.
- What happens to the technology after the agreement ends? The goal is for the company to mature the technology for both commercial markets and future government missions.
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