The latest decadal survey lists multiple sample return missions to the moon mars and jovian moons as high priority goals

Ended Project Grant Awarded Last action

Award ID
NNX16AK26G
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$99,891

Award facts

Assistance listing
43.012 Space Technology
Completion date
Place of performance
Littleton, CO 80128, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

In particular a mission to jupiter's europa is a top science goal as its liquid oceans holds the potential for discovery of extra-terrestrial life. However using traditional techniques these delta-v intensive missions result in large initial masses and have cost estimates in the $1-5B range. To reduce the cost of these missions exoterra taps into both the rapidly developing cubesat industry in-situ resource utilization and the work being performed with high power solar arrays and electric propulsion under the asteroid redirect program. Combined these offer the ability to drastically reduce the initial mass and cost of sample return missions. Exoterra's nimph project develops a cubesat scale in-situ resource utilization system that harvests water to enable low-cost sample return missions to ICY moons through micro-landers. To exemplify the enabling capabilities of the technology the project demonstrates the ability to conduct a sample return mission from europa at an order of magnitude cost reduction. During the effort we develop the mission architecture and concept of operations identifying key risks and mitigations. The project then performs the conceptual design of the key isru and micro-thruster technologies. Finally the results of the design are FED into the conceptual design of the micro-lander used to collect and deliver the sample. Once the micro-lander and isru technologies are demonstrated IT offers the potential to perform sample return missions across the solar system at an affordable price.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
Amendment $0
Original award $99,891

Quick answers

Who received award NNX16AK26G?

NNX16AK26G was awarded to Exoterra Resource LLC by Shared Services Center (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) on June 1, 2016.

How much is award NNX16AK26G worth?

$99,891 has been obligated on NNX16AK26G.

On GovTribe

See this award's full record

  • Every transaction and subaward
  • The recipient's other awards and teaming partners
  • Similar grant awards
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this award