Astrobee Free-flying Robotics System Operations and Sustaining Engineering Unfunded... Tender

Procurement Summary

Country : USA

Summary : Astrobee Free-flying Robotics System Operations and Sustaining Engineering Unfunded Space Act Agreement to Transfer System Responsibility to Commercial Provider Announcement for Partnership Proposals

Deadline : 21 Mar 2025

Other Information

Notice Type : Tender

TOT Ref.No.: 114620149

Document Ref. No. : 80JSC025ASTROBEE

Competition : ICB

Financier : Self Financed

Purchaser Ownership : Public

Tender Value : Refer Document

Purchaser's Detail

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Tender Details

Description



NASA recognizes that a robust and competitive low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy is vital to continued progress in space. To support NASA's Strategic Goals and Objective 2.2 to “Develop a human spaceflight economy enabled by a commercial market, " NASA is building and executing a targeted strategy for an “economy of space commerce” in LEO that is sustainable, cost-effective, and safe. The current strategy builds on and applies the lessons learned from over a decade of work and experiences with commercial companies. This activity is part of a continuing effort to establish a more affordable and sustainable future for human spaceflight in LEO and beyond.



This Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP) solicits proposals for the operation, sustaining engineering, and utilization of the Astrobee free-flying robotic system aboard the ISS. These robots provide a capability supporting researchers with technology demonstrations, scientific research, and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities in the unique environment of space. The objective of this initiative is to transition operations and sustaining engineering of this Astrobee robotic technology to a non-NASA entity to manage the system and to continue advancement in private sector utilization of this unique capability for the future development of commercial capabilities in space.

The Astrobee system consists of three cubed-shaped robots, software, spares, and a docking station used for recharging. The robots use electric fans as a propulsion system that allows them to fly freely through the microgravity environment of the station. Cameras and sensors help them to “see” and navigate their surroundings. The robots also carry a perching arm that allows them to grasp station handrails in order to conserve energy or to grab and hold items.

Working autonomously or via remote control by astronauts, flight controllers, or researchers on the ground, the robots are des...
Active Contract Opportunity
Notice ID : 80JSC025ASTROBEE
Related Notice
Department/Ind. Agency : NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sub-tier : NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Office: NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
General Information
Contract Opportunity Type: Solicitation (Original)
Original Published Date: Feb 11, 2025 03:55 pm CST
Original Date Offers Due: Mar 21, 2025 01:00 pm CDT
Inactive Policy: 15 days after date offers due
Original Inactive Date: Apr 05, 2025
Initiative: None

Classification
Original Set Aside:
Product Service Code: AR11 - SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH
NAICS Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Place of Performance: Tx 77058 USA

Documents

 Tender Notice

Astrobee-Announcement-for-Proposals-AFP.pdf

Astrobee-Executive-Summary.pdf

Astrobee-Facility-Sustaining-Overview.pdf