ASCENT - Autonomous Software Certification & Evaluation for New Technologies

To address the NASA need for certification methods for autonomous system software, STEER Tech proposes to develop a new Autonomous Software Certification & Evaluation for New Technologies (ASCENT) system, based on a prototype standard developed from existing standards and guidelines across industries. This approach incorporates concepts around safe development of autonomous system software, enabling us to meet NASA requirements for trusted autonomy in space applications. The system offers a framework to prove that a defined safety process has been followed to guarantee that the autonomous system meets the required criteria for safe operation. During Phase I, STEER Tech will compile and analyze existing industry standards which can be extended to space applications for the creation of a new prototype standard, the basis of ASCENT. Currently at TRL 2, ASCENT will reach TRL 5. The demonstrated results will offer NASA capabilities to certify autonomous system software currently non-certifiable using existing aviation standards.

When complete, the ASCENT will be a certification framework for autonomous system software. This will provide a significant platform for NASA’s space exploration programs, including the Artemis Program. Space systems have become increasingly complex and autonomous. Applications such as space craft, surface rovers, autonomous docking systems, equipment loaders, and more will be instrumental in NASA’s missions and can benefit from a certification like ASCENT. The ASCENT will have many commercial and Government applications. ASCENT will be capable of certifying terrestrial autonomous system software. This will have uses for Government applications such as FAA certification of autopilot software, and commercial applications such as industrial robots. With little alteration, the ASCENT will also be capable of certifying autonomous vehicles, a major growth market for the future. ASCENT, while specifically designed for autonomous space system software such as automatic docking systems, applies as well (with modifications) to any autonomous system software that is too complex to be certifiable against existing frameworks, and is especially useful for applications that are already approved for use and deployed but are not yet certifiable.

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.