(NASA) STTR innovations address specific technology gaps in mission programs, provide a foundation for future technology needs, and are complementary to other NASA research investments.
NASA Picks 18 Small Business Tech Transfer Projects For Continued Development
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JUNE 11, 2010
NASA

NASA has selected 18 innovative technology proposals for negotiation of Phase 2 contract awards in the Small Business Technology Transfer program, or "STTR." The selected projects have a total value of approximately $11 million. The contracts will be awarded to 18 high technology firms that are partnering with 15 universities in 12 states.
As an investment opportunity, STTR innovations address specific technology gaps in mission programs, provide a foundation for future technology needs, and are complementary to other NASA research investments. Examples of some STTR technologies being pursued in current selected proposals include:
- An autonomous health monitoring system for improved stability, safety, and performance of advanced aerospace vehicles under adverse conditions
- Advanced components for direct-detection LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) that can be used on new unmanned aircraft systems or aircraft platforms. LIDAR instruments will be required for remote sensing measurements from future Earth science missions
- Development of novel fabrication techniques for high efficiency thermo-electric devices. More efficient thermo-electric devices which convert heat directly into electricity are of interest to NASA for extracting power from "wasted heat" - heat energy from turbine engines, the hot side of spacecraft, or even the body heat of astronauts.
Participating firms and research institutions submitted 31 Phase 2 proposals. The criteria used to select the winning proposals included technical merit and innovation, Phase 1 results, value to NASA, commercial potential, and company capabilities.
The STTR program is a highly competitive, three-phase award system. It provides qualified small businesses with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet specific research and development needs of the federal government. In addition, the STTR program requires a collaborative research effort between small businesses and research institutions.
NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, manages the STTR program, with individual projects managed at each of NASA's field centers.
For a list of selected companies, visit: sbir.nasa.gov
For more information about NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist, visit: www.nasa.gov/office