Spyder: Critical Technology Demonstration Tests

Completed TRL 8 (started at 4, targeting 8)

Description

Two technology demonstrations: Task 1 – Sub-orbital hot fire staging with guidance and control utilizing NASA-Ames AVA. Task 2 – Spyder stage 1 static test, nose fairing separation test, lightweight staging system test. 18 month program to complete all tests for Task 1 and 2. Major milestones include Systems Requirements Review (SRR), PDR, CDR, Sub-orbital ACS demonstration. A dedicated 6U CubeSat launch vehicle for NASA and commercial to Low Earth Orbits. ~ $1M total launch services target price. NASA Payloads: On-ramp Spyder through current NASA Flight Opportunities Program (FOP) IDIQ2 contract to support directed NASA orbital payload requirements. Provide launch services to other US Government entities. UP Aerospace will commercially market Spyder launch and payload integration services worldwide. The design concept is scalable to larger payload lifting capability vehicles to meet market demands.

Benefits

UP Aerospace will commercially market Spyder launch and payload integration services worldwide. The design concept is scalable to larger payload lifting capability vehicles to meet market demands. These solicitations increase focus on collaborations with the commercial space sector that not only leverage emerging markets and capabilities to meet NASA's strategic goals, but also focus on industry needs. NASA's investments in industry partnerships can accelerate the availability of, and reduce costs for the development and infusion of, these emerging space system capabilities. While developing the technology to enable NASA's next generation of science and human exploration missions, we will grow the economy and strengthen the nation's economic competitiveness.

Details

Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	UP Aerospace, Inc, Highlands Ranch, CO
Start date	2017-06-01
End date	2020-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Jerry Larson

How to get involved

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — 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.