Autonomous Systems Study (AutoSys-STUDY)

This task involves conducting a multi-center study in FY25 to assess the performance and feasibility of autonomous systems in relation to Artemis architecture needs and M2M objectives. The study will elucidate the Strategy and Architecture Office (SAO) Lunar Architecture Team (LAT) evaluations for STMD Autonomous Systems & Robotics (AS&R). The team will integrate prior STMD-funded efforts and existing commercial/academic partners to establish a broad base of expertise for formulating future development efforts. Key outcomes will include identifying technologies requiring further development and formulating forward efforts to advance autonomous systems capabilities and other architecture-driven autonomous systems use cases leading to transition to industry for NASA and commercial mission applications. The study will consider the following STMD AS&R Shortfalls: 0680: Robust Robotic Intelligence for High Tempo Autonomous Operations in Dynamic Mission Conditions1304: Robust, high-progress-rate, and long-distance autonomous surface mobility1530: Aerial Robotic Mobility and Onboard Intelligence for Expanded Capabilities on Mars, Venus, and Titan1532: Autonomous Planning, Scheduling, and Decision-Support to Enable Sustained Earth-Independent Missions1533: Autonomous Robotic Sample Identification, Classification, Collection, Manipulation, Verification, and Transport1535: Autonomous Vehicle, System, Habitat, and Infrastructure Health Monitoring and Management1536: Free-Flying Mobility Aids for Crew EVA1537: Free-Flying Systems for Robotic Inspection, Data Collection, and Servicing of In Space Assets1538: General Purpose Robotic Manipulation to Perform Human Scale Logistics, Maintenance, Outfitting, and Utilization1539: Intelligent Robotic Systems for Crew Health and Performance During Long-Duration Missions1540: Intelligent Robots for the Servicing, Assembly, and Outfitting of In Space Assets and Industrial Scale Surface Infrastructure1541: Intuitive and Efficient Human-Robot Interaction for Safe Teaming and Remote Supervisory Control1542: Metrics and Processes for Establishing Trust and Certifying the Trustworthiness of Autonomous Systems1543: Multi-Agent Robotic Coordination and Interoperability for Cooperative Task Planning and Performance 1544: Resilient Agency: Adaptable Intelligence and Robust Online Learning for Long Duration and Dynamic Missions1546: Robotic Mobile-Manipulation for Autonomous Large-Scale Logistics, Payload Handling, and Surface Transport1548: Sensing for Autonomous Robotic Operations in Challenging Environmental Conditions1625: Intelligent Multi Agent Constellations for Cooperative Operations With consideration given to the following for AS&R coherence:1336: Robotic Mobility for Robust, Repeatable Access To and Through Extreme Terrain and Surface Topography1531: Autonomous Guidance and Navigation for Deep Space Missions1545: Robotic Actuation, Subsystem Components, and System Architectures for Long Duration and Extreme Environment Operation1547: Robotic Systems for Sub-Surface Access Through Ice and Ocean Mobility

​​​​​​​This task will assess current autonomous system capabilities and identify new technology needs in relation to Moon to Mars (M2M) objectives and specific architecture-identified use cases and functions. The characterization of these existing gaps in performance and architecture risks associated with autonomous systems and the quantification of the impact of autonomous systems to address capability needs provides information to identify areas for further technology maturation and formulates forward-work recommendations to facilitate technology infusion. The work in this task also aligns with the program's strategic goals by tightly integrating technology road mapping and capability development with direct stakeholder engagement, coordinating priorities, facilitating rapid response to technical questions, and informing architecture decisions. As a result, these roadmaps will inform decision makers in the prioritization of needed technology investments.  It will also support the objective of identifying needed technology investments and the development of viable infusion paths for technology advances from industry and academic partners. ​

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.