RFI-KSC-ResearchAndTechnologyLabs-2025_final.pdf

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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AGENCY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

LABORATORY SERVICE CAPABILITIES AT KSC

Research & Technology Laboratories, Testing Sites/Facilities and Equipment

RFI-KSC-ResearchAndTechnologyLabs-2025

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Table of Contents

Introduction:

Purpose of this RFI:

Labs, Testing Sites/Facilities, Equipment, and Capabilities:

1. Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory

2. Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL)

3. Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

4. Microgravity Simulation Support Facility (MSSF)

5. Applied Chemistry Laboratory (ACL)

6. Plant Processing Area (PPA)

7. Life Sciences Laboratory (LSL)

8. ISS Offline Payload Laboratories

9. Surface Autonomy Test Site

10. Artemis Arena at the Center for Space Education (CSE)

11. Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF) Science Annex (SA)

12. Atmospherically Sealed Simulator for In-situ System Testing (ASSIST)

13. Space Environment Dynamometers (SED)

Other labs at KSC not included in this RFI:

Information Sought:

Industry Day Requests:

RFI Response Instructions:

Additional Information:

NASA Point of Contact:

Exhibit A

Labs, Test Sites/Facilities,and Equipment Photos

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Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Initiating Installation: Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Title: Request for Information – Use of Research & Technology Laboratories, Testing Sites/Facilities and Equipment

Introduction:

NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is the world’s premier spaceport. The KSC Master Plan (https://masterplan.ksc.nasa.gov/) addresses both U.S. Government and commercial launch activities at KSC. Periodically, the KSC Spaceport Development Division conducts market research to seek industry interest on specific aspects of the KSC Master Plan.

The KSC Research and Technology (R&T) vision is to establish KSC as a leading hub for space technology innovation, aligned with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Moon to Mars exploration objectives. Central to this vision is the expansion of partnerships with academia, private industry, and other government agencies, particularly with institutions whose technical expertise complements KSC’s own capabilities. Through these collaborations, KSC aims to enhance its market competitiveness, broaden research avenues, support commercial space activities, and cultivate environments conducive to technological advancement in a changing environment.

Purpose of this RFI:

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify entities interested in using specific labs and capabilities. The information NASA receives in response to this RFI will inform its strategy for future use of the various labs.

NASA seeks to ensure broad awareness and visibility of this RFI. Accordingly, NASA invites any interested U.S. domestic entities, including federal and state, academia, and United States Commercial Providers, as defined in the Space Commerce Act, 51 U.S.C. § 50101(7), to submit responses to this RFI.

In addition, KSC will host an Industry Day on July 11, 2025, allowing interested parties the opportunity to evaluate certain labs.

NASA is interested in potential agreements that foster innovation, enhance research capabilities, support the broader scientific and engineering community, and provide local economic growth.

Users of facilities at KSC must comply with NASA and KSC laws, regulations, procedures and policies regarding security requirements to include badging, background investigation requirements, foreign national access, and unescorted access to controlled areas.

Labs, Testing Sites/Facilities, Equipment, and Capabilities:

This RFI is focused on the labs, test sites/facilities and specialized equipment listed below which are available and of priority for partnering with KSC through this RFI.

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1. Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory

The GMRO lab focuses on the mechanics of soil at lunar and Martian spaceports; how to excavate the soil to prepare berms, landing pads, and roads; and how to model the blowing of soil or other materials in a rocket exhaust plume to predict blast effects. This area also develops technologies for handling lunar and Martian regolith, including excavator technologies and the pneumatic transport and magnetic handling of soil. The team studies the basic physics and geology of lunar and Martian soil to support soil-handling technologies, including particle sizing, particle shapes, bulk mechanical properties of the soil, soil compaction, field sampling technologies, and laboratory testing protocols.

Capabilities:

Two regolith test bins, one with 120 tons of Black Point-1 (BP-1) simulated extraterrestrial soil

(25’x25′ area 3.5′ deep) and one with 2 tons of JSC-1a simulated extraterrestrial soil (calibrated dusty environment measurements, dusty mechanisms testing)

Fine Particle Analyzer (FPA), sieves & shaker, and soil compressor A complete complement of soil mechanical testers (proctor compactor, limit devices, vibration table with relative density set, triaxial shear tester, direct shear tester, consolidation tester, permeation cells) Rocket plume testers, penetrometers, coring devices, hand-held testers, ultrasonic bath, drying oven, several furnaces, wet/dry sieving, dehumidifier, microscopy, hydrometer test set, cameras, high speed camera, video graphic analysis, dust hood, sandblast hood,3.6Ghz Spectrum Analyzer and Millimeter Wave Doppler Radar for estimating dust ejecta velocity.

Fanuc Industrial Robot UR10 robot arm Kuka Industrial Robot Arm 3D printers (3 Lulzbots, 3 Ulti makers) Multiple high end computer workstations with physics simulation software (PFC2D, PFC3D, EDEM, Mathematica, LabVIEW, custom software in Fortran, COMSOL with various add-ons) Rapid prototype capability including CNC router, 2 CNC mills, lathe, band saws and shop area Collaboration space with large video wall, outdoor assembly area Multiple cryogenic temperature dusty environmental chambers State of the art actuator testing capabilities (down to 1 millitorr vacuum, 40 Kelvin temperatures, input and output feed throughs, over 300 Nm torque inputs, efficiency measurements through torque transducers, real-time tooth decay measurements)dy

Rationale for Sharing:

Simulant Testing: The GMRO utilizes lunar simulants like BP-1 to test excavation, mobility, and dust mitigation technologies. Sharing this lab allows for collaborative research on planetary surface operations, benefiting missions to the Moon and Mars.

Regolith Handling Technologies: The lab develops technologies for handling lunar and Martian regolith, including excavation, pneumatic transport, and magnetic handling. Sharing these capabilities can support the development of in-situ resource utilization systems for future missions.

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2. Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL)

The ESPL focuses on scientific investigations to protect flight hardware and launch equipment from the phenomenon of electrostatic discharges, commonly known as sparks. In addition, the team studies lunar and Martian dust and the physics behind the particles’ dynamic electrical states. They also develop new technologies that leverage electrostatics to solve problems, such as filtering dust from air or repelling dust-off surfaces using electrostatic forces.

Capabilities and Specialized Equipment:

The following electrostatic testing, measurement, and analyses can be performed in high and low temperatures, pressures, humidity and at various atmospheric conditions:

Surface resistivity measurements Charge decay measurements Triboelectric charge measurements Volume resistivity measurements of solids, liquids, and powders Adhesion coefficient determination Electric field measurements Surface charge distribution measurements Surface analysis techniques Embedded electrostatic sensors Plasma treatment of surfaces Electro spraying of liquids Hydrophobicity and contact angle measurements Electrical conductivity and grounding determination Dielectric breakdown strength determination Powder or liquid aerosol generation and measurement Radiofrequency (RF) emission detection from electrostatic discharge Charged grain detection and measurement Corona discharge, brush discharge, and Paschen breakdown measurements Liquid conductivity and powder resistivity measurements Laser Etching Susceptibility testing via Charged Device Model (CDM), Machine Model (MM), and Human Body

Model (HBM) Lunar/Mars Vacuum Chamber Various vacuum systems (2 bell jars, 1 stainless-steel UHV-capable) Three environments’ chambers with stat-of-the-art electrostatic measuring equipment (static monitors, charge decay, coulomb meters) State-of-the-art Electrostatics Testing Equipment Atmospheric plasma Glow discharge sources Ultraviolet source and monochromator Optical emission spectrometer Sample preparation facilities Lunar and Mars dust simulants and 200 grams Apollo 14, 16, and 17 lunar regolith Vacuum electron/ion/ultraviolet sources for producing spacecraft charging environments

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High speed/low noise current amplifiers for monitoring small currents

Rationale for Sharing:

Dust Mitigation Research: The ESPL conducts research on lunar and Martian dust, including its electrostatic properties and effects on spacecraft. Sharing this lab can enhance understanding of dust-related challenges and contribute to the development of dust mitigation technologies.

Electrostatic Discharge Prevention: The lab investigates electrostatic discharges and develops technologies to protect flight hardware. Collaborating with external partners can lead to the development of more effective protective measures for space missions.

3. Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

The APL develops a variety of special instrumentation and tools for answering specific vehicle processing and GSE requirements including focus areas in optics, acoustics, capacitance, NDE and other technologies. The APL specializes in technology response with applied physics. The laboratory receives problems from the Orion/SLS, Expendable Launch Vehicle, International Space Station/Payloads, and future programs and works to solve them using concepts at technology readiness levels 3 and 4.

Laboratory personnel take demonstrated concepts that can solve a problem and ultimately turn them into field-worthy hardware. Primary areas of expertise are electromagnetic radiation (mainly ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and millimeter), ultrasonics, sensor development, mechanical system design, electromagnetics, atmospheric electricity, lightning physics, lightning interaction with aerospace vehicles, and lightning protection. Work focuses on advanced sensors and systems for measurement and leak visualization and detection, nondestructive evaluation of flight hardware and ground support equipment, flight hardware positioning systems, and cryogenics. The APL works closely with several contractor-operated laboratories that help take the demonstrated concepts forward to operational hardware. The lab is also capable of developing lunar mission capable flight avionics & software for instruments/payloads with mission operations ground control software.

Capabilities:

Variety of lasers and light sources Optical tables, mounting equipment, and a range of optics, as well as optical spectrometers, Blackbody system, and Novocontrol Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy Systems Wide assortment of electronics and mechanical components used to fabricate prototype systems to meet field problems Mathematica, LabVIEW, COMSOL, Matlab and other software packages used to perform modeling and system analysis Avionics hardware and software simulation/emulation tools

Applied Physics Lab Flight Payload and Instrument Software and Avionics Development:

The APL develops innovative, comprehensive ground and flight software systems supporting throughout project lifecycle from basic instrument development through space flight mission operations.

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The APL develops low-cost, terrestrial and space-ready radiation tolerant avionics systems for individual instruments as well as payload systems for space flight operations.

APL Capabilities, Software:

Generic payload embedded flight software architecture & development – automation, instrument control, compatible with Core Flight System Ground control system software architecture & development – displays, gateway, ground processing

(LCC Firing Room, etc.)

Lab support software for instrument or subsystem development – displays, control, logging Architecture, infrastructure and process to provide fully flight-forward payload embedded and ground system software for lab support for instrument development/test/ops – no throwaway lab software!

Remote integration of subsystems/instruments from around KSC to across the country Support a variety of flight processors Web interfaced database for Data Distribution Service logging, retrieval & data viewing tool Database design & development – Master Measurement List for command & telemetry Instrument/subsystem real-time modeling down to signal level Automated testing – software and hardware

APL Tools, Software:

Enterprise Architect, Magic Draw Embedded Linux & Ubuntu Linux Data Distribution Service – interfacing w/C++, LabVIEW, web-based logging & retrieval tool C++ JavaScript, Node.js Virtual Machine Language (VML) Labview – Windows, Real-Time & FPGA Mathworks – Simulink, Matlab, Simscape, xPC & Speedgoat C – Instrument firmware Trac – Issue tracking, Wiki Jenkins – Build system Subversion – Configuration management Windows Visual Studio Various database applications

APL Capabilities, Avionics:

Flight payload/instrument control systems Radiation tolerant electrical design (circuits, controls) Controls development and testing Design of Shop Aides and Ground Support Equipment Software/firmware design, development and test Support variety of DSPs, micro and embedded processors FPGA development

VHDL & HDL

Power supply design

APL Tools, Avionics:

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Altium Spice LabVIEW FPGA development tools Microcontroller development tools Matlab Mathcad

Rationale for Sharing:

Interdisciplinary Research: The APL addresses complex technical issues involving fluids, heat transfer, material properties, and optics. Sharing this lab can facilitate interdisciplinary research and the development of innovative solutions to challenges in spaceflight and ground processing.

Rapid Prototyping: The lab's focus on rapid prototyping allows for quick development and testing of solutions. Collaborating with external partners can accelerate the development of technologies needed for space missions.

4. Microgravity Simulation Support Facility (MSSF)

The MSSF provides unique capabilities to enable ground-based simulations of the space environment for research in life sciences, material science, and fluid dynamics. The simulation facility supports visiting investigators to conduct short duration studies utilizing a variety of microgravity simulator devices and capabilities.

Capabilities:

Micro- and Partial- Gravity Simulation:

Airbus Random Positioning Machine 2.0 units Gravite 3D Clinostats Synthecon Rotary Cell Culture Systems Large Slow Rotating 2D Clinostat for Middeck Locker Sized Payload COSE’s SciSpinner MAX 3d Clinostats Customized Sample Modules and Raise 3D Pro Printer VECTR-G Data Analysis GUI

Imaging Capabilities:

Nikon A1R Confocal Microscope with FRET Module Nikon SMZ 25 Stereo Dissecting Scope Keyence BZ-X800 Fluorescence Microscope Nikon NIS-Elements Imaging Analysis

Controlled Environment to Mimic ISS Conditions and Other Space Environmental Conditions:

Dynavac Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Chamber Percival Plant Growth Chamber with Temperature, CO2 and RH Control

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Panasonic Ultra-Low Temperature -150C Cryogenic Freezer Thermo Scientific -80°C Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

Tissue Culture Capabilities:

• Thermo 3310 CO2 Incubators

• Biological Safety Cabinets

Bioanalytical Instruments:

Easycyte 8HT flowcytometer BioTek Synergy™ H1M Microplate Reader Nanodrop One Spectrometer Bio-Rad CFX96 Real-time PCR System

Note: There is hardware to support Parabolic Flight, High-altitude Balloon Flight, and Other Flight Platforms.

Rationale for Sharing:

Access to Ground-Based Microgravity and Space Research: The MSSF provides a centralized resource for conducting short-duration experiments (typically less than 1 month) that simulate microgravity and other space environmental conditions, facilitating research in space biology and physics.

Collaborative Research Opportunities: By partnering with KSC, external researchers can engage in collaborative studies, leveraging the facility's unique capabilities, hardware, and expertise to advance scientific understanding in life sciences, material science, and fluid dynamics for enabling deep space explorations.

5. Applied Chemistry Laboratory (ACL)

The ACL performs research and technology development for a wide range of chemistry and engineering related applications by creating integrated engineering solutions to solve the unique operational ground based and space-based needs of NASA, as well as outside partners. These technologies span the gamut of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from the formulation of an application based on a technology concept (TRL 2) through the testing of prototypes in relevant environments (TRL 7), and on track to achieve proven flight systems through Lunar mission operations (TRL 9). A number of these technologies have also been commercialized as a benefit to all. Additionally, the ACL provides support to NASA Programs that require the unique capabilities of the laboratory and personnel.

The areas encompassed by research and Program support performed in the ACL includes, but is not limited to: the detection and monitoring of hypergolic and hazardous compounds such as hydrazine, nitrogen tetroxide, ammonia, hydrogen, and methane; chemical scrubbers for hazardous waste, new organic and inorganic materials development; environmental remediation technologies including ground/groundwater cleanup, green solvents, and green propellants; and Lunar and Martian in situ resource utilization (ISRU). The ACL has developed a number of ISRU technologies both for the Moon

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(oxygen production from lunar regolith by means of hydrogen reduction and plasma reduction, purification of water produced by these chemical processes, and conversion of space trash to gases) as well as Mars (Carbon Dioxide (CO2) atmospheric capture, CO2 processing for methane and oxygen production, and ionic liquid solvation and electrolysis for oxygen production from CO2). The laboratory is capable of chemical reactor and chemical conversion testing for various ISRU and logistics reduction technologies, as well as various plasma applications.

Capabilities:

Hypergol testing Vapor standards generators (dynamic range for hypergols: 500 ppm to 10 ppb) Ion Chromatography System Liquid Chromatograph Low Pressure PICO Tri-Gas Plasma Cleaning System Power modules Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) Fourier Transform Infrared (Diamond ATR, Diffuse Reflectance) UV/Vis/NIR Spectrophotometer Fiber optic fluorometer Fluorometers

2.5 Liter freeze dryer system

Multi Centrifuge Homogenizers Various High Speed Mixers Electrochemical System Heater/Chillers Chemical clove box with freezer Carver press with heated platens Ball mill roller with various jars Turbo vacuum ovens Thermal Vacuum Chambers Mass Spectrometers 3-channel gas chromatographs

Rationale for Sharing:

Sustainable Practices: The ACL has achieved My Green Lab Certification, making it the first NASA laboratory to do so. This certification recognizes the lab's commitment to environmentally conscious practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable chemical management. Sharing this lab can promote sustainable practices in support of space activities.

Advanced Chemical Research: The ACL conducts research on green propellants, hazardous compound detection, and environmental remediation technologies. Collaborating with external partners can accelerate the development of these technologies and their application in space missions.

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6. Plant Processing Area (PPA)

The PPA supports plant biology and space crop research, development, testing, and evaluation. Activities include plant growth experiments; seed preparation; plant harvesting; sample preparation for analyses;

and development and testing of plant growth systems (e.g., aeroponics, hydroponics, water/nutrient delivery), plant research hardware (e.g., growth containers, environmental chambers, lighting systems, and plant harvesting devices), plant growth media, and nutrient solutions.

Capabilities:

Controlled Environment Chambers (CECs):

The PPA has seven walk-in Percival Scientific CECs, four reach-in Percival Scientific CECs, and one reach-in Conviron CEC. These chambers are used to grow plants under controlled conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, lighting, and CO2 concentration) and can be modified to support a wide range of user-defined environmental set-points needed for plant biology research, space crop research, Controlled Environment Agriculture, pre-flight payload testing, and studying plant responses to spaceflight environments.

Environmental Test Chambers (ETCs):

The PPA has several KSC-developed ETCs that are used as incubators for growing plants. ETCs can be used within the walk-in CECs or outside the CECs.

Horticultural Lighting Systems:

The PPA has a variety of lighting systems used in plant growth experiments inside the CECs or outside the CECs. Lighting systems include, but are not limited to, Bios Lighting (model IcarusVi 321-TUXJ-0003), Aerogarden (model Farm24 and Farm24 Plus), Heliospectra (model RX-30), AIBC International (model Ex70DIM), Spider Farmer (model SF1000), Orbitec (model BPSe), OSRAM (model Phytofy RL), and Artificial Sunlight Research Module (ASRM).

Equipment and Instruments:

The PPA equipment and instruments include Li-COR quantum sensors, Li-COR photosynthesis system, Li-COR gas exchange system, temperature/humidity sensors, pH meters, chlorophyll meters, anthocyanin meters, Li-COR area meters, leaf porometers, freeze dryer, dehydrator, cryogrinder, laminar flow hoods, freezers, refrigerators, 3D printers, oven, plant tissue grinder, balances, vortex mixers, stir plates, sieve shaker, and Sentry Air Systems fume extractor.

Maker Space:

The PPA Maker Space has several 3D printers used to develop a variety of experiment unique equipment (EUE) such as plant growth containers and harvesting devices.

Rationale for Sharing:

Advancement in Space Agriculture: Collaborators can engage in pioneering research on plant growth in space, contributing to the development of Space Crop Controlled Environment Agriculture and closed-loop life support systems essential for deep space exploration.

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Integration with Space Missions: Research in the PPA contributes to NASA's efforts in developing sustainable food production systems for future space missions, aligning with goals to establish long-term human presence on the Moon and Mars.

Innovative Research Opportunities: Access to the PPA enables external researchers to explore novel aspects of plant biology and agriculture, fostering innovation in both space and terrestrial applications.

7. Life Sciences Laboratory (LSL)

The LSL is utilized for the identification, enumeration and sequencing of microbes and their metagenomes or meta transcriptomes. The LSL consist of a microbiology lab and molecular biology lab that Principal Investigators use to investigate the biological responses to space environmental factors. The operations include, but are not limited to: cell culture, cell isolation, centrifugation, colorimetric assays, fluorescent assays, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, microgravity simulation, microscopy, nucleic acid amplification, nucleic acid isolation, transfection, and transformation.

Capabilities:

Analytical Balances and Scales pH/Ion/Conductivity/DO Meter UV Transilluminators and gel imagers Sequencers and Genetic Analyzer Water Purification System Steri-Loop Bacteriology Incinerator Benchtop Centrifuges BIOLOG MicroStation Plate Reader & Turbidimeter Thermal Cyclers Mini Bead Beater Dry Bath Incubators and heat blocks Single or Dual Water Bath Vortex microplate and tube mixers Incubator Shaker and Refrigerated Incubator Shaker Speed Vacuum Thermo Spectronic Genesys 20 4001/4 Spectrophotometer Biological Safety Cabinet and Sterile Procedure Hoods Autoclave and Mediaclave Thermo Forma Ultra Low Temperature Freezer Tabletop Cabinet Incubators Colony Counter Sonic Dismembrator / Probe Sonicator, Water Bath Sonicators Bagmixer 400 Incubator Nucleotide Measurement Instruments DNA Isolation Instruments

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Lab on a Chip

Rationale for Sharing:

Access to Ground-Based Microgravity Research: The LSL provides a centralized resource for conducting molecular and microbiology operations that include, but are not limited to: cell culture, cell isolation, centrifugation, colorimetric assays, fluorescent assays, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, microgravity simulation, microscopy, nucleic acid amplification, nucleic acid isolation, transfection, and transformation. These advanced microbial monitoring technologies are essential for wastewater processing systems, (include testing of a portable quantitative PCR unit for use on the ISS), assessing microbial loads and risks for food crops grown in space, and the microbial risks associated with solid waste management for human exploration of space.

Collaborative Research Opportunities: By partnering with KSC, external researchers can engage in collaborative studies, leveraging the lab's unique capabilities and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to advance scientific understanding in areas such as cellular biology, with specialization in omics interpretation and data sequencing of microbiome communities from multiple hosts or environmental habitats, including water, soil, plants, and biofilm.

8. ISS Offline Payload Laboratories

The ISS Science Processing Areas (SPAs), aka Offline Labs, can be configured on a mission-to-mission basis and are to specifically support ISS payloads. They provide a broad range of capabilities for principal investigators to prepare approved science experiments and associated flight hardware for flight to the ISS.

The capability also exists to monitor and control test activities, both on the ground via the Experiment Monitoring Area (EMA) and aboard ISS. There are three central services rooms providing autoclave, dishwashing, ice, and various standard services. A walk-in cold room is available in 1296 and 1489B. All spaces are certified to > 300k cleanliness. Designed for maximum flexibility, the Offline Laboratories can be configured in many ways to accommodate science experiment disciplines from cell culture science to plant physiology to protein crystal growth.

Capabilities:

Class 300K clean-room environment Ultra-pure (18-meg) and de-ionized water systems Fume hoods with air, vacuum, and water available in most science laboratories Di Water system, EPure 110V & 208V 3P Overhead Service Carrier, 6 ft Table, lab, 6 foot x 30 epoxy Table, lab, 5 foot x 30 epoxy Gateway Pod, wireless with temp and cryo probes Refrigerator freezer Incubator, CO2 Bench, BSL II 5 ft with casters

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Centrifuge, refrigerated Centrifuge, Micro refrigerated Bench, BSL II 4 ft with casters

9. Surface Autonomy Test Site

The Surface Autonomy Test-site and Landscape provides a controlled outdoor environment for testing autonomous navigation and operations of robotic systems, as well as low fidelity surface operations concepts. This site features various terrain types and obstacles that simulate planetary surface conditions, enabling the development and validation of autonomous navigation algorithms, sensor systems, and robotic behaviors in realistic scenarios.

General Specs:

Dimensions: 21.3 m x 33.5 m (over 700 m² of enclosed space) 95% light-blocking interior polyester weave to simulate darkness and Lunar South Pole contrast.

Material: Local Florida soil, cleared of vegetation and rocks larger than 7.6 cm diameter Used for testing of surface robotics for excavation, mobility, and ISRU systems.

Space Capacity:

This site offers approximately 7,600 square feet of available space.

10. Artemis Arena at the Center for Space Education (CSE)

The Artemis Arena at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center resides inside the CSE at the KSC Visitor Complex which is outside of KSC’s secure perimeter.

The arena is enclosed and offers a premier testbed for external customers seeking to validate systems in a simulated lunar mare environment. The arena is filled with simulant which replicates the Moon’s characteristics. It is designed for rigorous testing to evaluate technologies for obstacle detection, terrain mapping, and autonomous navigation across a complex “slalom” route. A central structural column within the arena serves as a fixed infrastructure obstacle, further enhancing realism by simulating a persistent hazard that must be avoided.

This arena provides an ideal, controlled setting for robotics, mobility, excavation, and autonomy testing under Moon-like terrain conditions, and is open for use by industry, academia, and government teams preparing for lunar missions.

Capabilities and specs:

Arena is filled with Black Point-1 (BP-1) crushed basalt rock lunar regolith simulant Arena area measures ~6.8 m long and ~5.0 m wide (these are internal measurements between the ducts located on the inside of the arena, see Photo 2: Artemis Arena Internal View) Arena contains ~45 cm depth of BP-1

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Larger rocks may also be mixed in with the BP-1/gravel in a random manner (gravel is ~2cm in diameter)

Infrastructure Obstacle - arena has a central support structure column which is an obstacle and must be avoided

Arena includes ducting that goes around the perimeter, as shown in Photo 2: Artemis Arena Internal View, this duct is 17cm in diameter

11. Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF) Science Annex (SA)

The SSPF Science Annex is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Silver facility which provides services that support science payloads (preflight, in-flight, and post-flight activities; and flight simulations) and ground-based scientific research. It provides facility space, payload integration, and customer support in conjunction with flight and ground control experiments. The SA is a 6,500 square foot (approx.) Class 8 (100K) ISO 14644-1:2015 clean-room aseptic barrier facility. The barrier facility is achieved through positive air pressure relative to the outside air. Air delivered to the facility is 100% fresh, non-recirculated and is delivered through High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that are 99.999% efficient in removal of particles greater that 0.5 microns. Air exchanges occur at a rate of 12-15 per hour. The SA is configured to have a "clean" side and a "dirty" side. Five science rooms and a preflight receiving and integration room can be accessed from the "clean" or "dirty" side, including two science rooms available for Biosafety Level-2 work. The "clean" side has seven additional science rooms and a clean rack washer and autoclave room. The "dirty" side has three storage rooms and a dirty rack washer and autoclave room. Each of the five science rooms accessible from the "clean" or "dirty" side are independently controlled for temperature (70° - 86° +/- 1° F) and relative humidity (40 - 60% +/- 2% RH). The SA entry area has two change rooms with lockers and restrooms.

The SA has two redundant air handler units (AHU). 100% fresh air is provided by two redundant supply fans, capable of providing 12-15 air exchanges per hour. Each fan has 2-inch Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 8 filters as pre-filters and 12-inch MERV 15 filters. The final filtration is provided by 12-inch 99.97% alpha cell HEPA filtration. UV lighting is installed at the cooling coils. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can provide 100% of the HVAC needs for the facility and is able to operate in a configuration with one unit as primary and the other as backup with controls that transfer operations to the backup when the other fails. The SA has a Building Automation System (BAS) that controls the HVAC and provides continuous monitoring of temperature, humidity, air exchange rate, and differential pressure. The SA also has an automated, computer-controlled, environmental data monitoring and collection system (Avidity Watchdog™) that is interfaced to the various rooms throughout the facility and sends alarms through an automated telephone system as well as e-mail. Additional contamination control features include positive and negative pressure rooms; floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces that are smooth, impervious to liquids, and easy to clean; and sealed ceiling lights. Security features include a perimeter fence with cameras and card readers at the security fence access gates, turnstile, and the building.

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12. Atmospherically Sealed Simulator for In-situ System Testing (ASSIST)

The ASSIST is a vacuum chamber capable of simulating extraterrestrial atmospheric conditions. The chamber supports excavation, site preparation, construction, and ISRU testing under simulated space environments, featuring cryogenic systems, a 4-axis gantry with 90 kg payload capacity, and specialized testing equipment.

General Specs:

Dimensions of Chamber: 58" W X 58" H X 46.75" D Vacuum: 10^-12 Torr Temperature Range: -150 C to 150 C

13. Space Environment Dynamometers (SED)

The SED’s are specialized chambers for cryobotics research, testing robotic systems and rotating machinery in extreme cold environments. This unique lab features a modular dynamometer system that provides real-time torque, temperature, and efficiency data while simulating lunar temperature and pressure conditions for testing motors, gearboxes, and actuators.

General Specs:

Dyno-1 Dimensions of Chamber: 1.9" Diameter x 15" long Vacuum: 10^-5 Torr Temperature Range: 30 K to 323 K

Dyno-2 Dimensions of Chamber: 14.5” Diameter x 34” long Vacuum: 10^-5 Torr Temperature Range: 30 K to 323 K

Other labs at KSC not included in this RFI:

A complete listing of labs, facilities, and equipment available, with varying levels of excess capacity, for potential partnering can be found on this page KCS Testing and Laboratories.

Information Sought:

Responses to this RFI shall address the following information, as applicable:

1. Proposed Use.

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Describe proposed uses of specified lab capabilities, testing sites/facilities, and equipment of interest and any general requirements.

2. Approach and Timeline Describe the proposed approach, including general parameters and personnel requirements, capabilities needed as part of the use of (a) specified lab(s), and a projected schedule, if available, for use of said lab(s).

3. Limitations, restrictions, and impacts.

Describe any limitations and impacts, including such impacts on other occupants, and any risk mitigation measures for the respective lab, testing site/facility and associated equipment.

Industry Day Requests:

Interested parties are required to provide written requests to Christina.L.Williams@nasa.gov not later than July 7, 2025. Reference “Industry Day, RFI-KSC-ResearchAndTechnologyLabs-2025” in the subject line and provide names and e-mail addresses of participants. A confirmation e-amil with details regarding Industry Day will be provided upon receipt of written requests.

RFI Response Instructions:

Any U. S. entities, including federal and state agencies, academia, and U.S. Commercial Providers as defined in the Space Commerce Act, 51 U.S.C. section 50101(7), are invited to submit responses to this

RFI.

All responses must be submitted as an electronic file in Portable Document Format (PDF) via email to the NASA Point of Contact identified below.

Responses should not exceed twenty (20) pages. Font should be Times New Roman, size 12. Responses must be received by the NASA Point of Contact no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on July 31, 2025.

It is not NASA’s intent to publicly disclose responses or proprietary information obtained through this

RFI.

Respondents are encouraged to limit the amount of Proprietary Data (defined below) included in their response, and only include such information that is necessary to respond to this inquiry. Any Proprietary Data must be clearly marked. For purposes of this RFI, “Proprietary data” means data embodying trade secrets developed at private expense or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, and that includes a restrictive notice, unless the data is: known or available from other sources without restriction; known, possessed, or developed independently, and without reference to the proprietary data; made available by the owners to others without restriction; or required by law or court order to be disclosed. With respect to such Proprietary Data, NASA shall:

a. Use, disclose, or reproduce such Proprietary Data only as necessary to evaluate the response;

b. Safeguard such Proprietary Data from unauthorized use and disclosure;

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c. Allow access to such Proprietary Data only to its employees requiring access for purposes of evaluating the RFI responses;

d. Preclude disclosure outside NASA;

e. Notify its employees with access about their obligations under this RFI and ensure their compliance; and

f. Dispose of such Proprietary Data after evaluation of the RFI has concluded.

Additional Information:

NASA does not intend to reply to individual responses, but reserves the right to conduct additional market research, which may include later communications with respondents. NASA will not provide information concerning or developed in the course of its deliberative process.

NASA requests this information for planning purposes only. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposals, Invitation for Bids, Request for Quotations, or Announcement for Proposals. This RFI is not an offer or commitment by the Government to enter into a contract or other type of agreement. Moreover, the Government will not pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will the Government reimburse respondents for costs incurred to prepare responses to this RFI.

NASA will use the RFI responses to define requirements and gauge market interest in using the labs, sites, and facilities and determine whether it is in the Government’s best interest to issue a competitive Announcement for Proposals (AFP).

NASA reserves the right to amend or withdraw this RFI at any time. NASA KSC seeks to ensure broad awareness and visibility of this RFI; however, it is each respondent’s responsibility to monitor the SAM.gov website for additional information or amendments.

Please contact Christina Williams if you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity in further detail.

NASA Point of Contact:

Christina Williams Partnership Agreements Officer

(321) 867-3912 Christina.L.Williams@nasa.gov John F. Kennedy Space Center Spaceport Development Division

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Exhibit A Labs, Test Sites/Facilities,and Equipment Photos

1. Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations Laboratory (GMRO)

2. Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL)

3. Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

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4. Microgravity Simulation Support Facility (MSSF)

5. Applied Chemistry Laboratory (ACL)

6. Plant Processing Area (PPA)

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7. Life Sciences Laboratory (LSL)

8. ISS Offline Payload Laboratories

-Intentionally Blank-

9. Surface Autonomy Test Site

10. Artemis Arena at the Center for Space Education (CSE)

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11. Space Systems Processing Facility Science Annex

12. Atmospherically Sealed Simulator for In-situ System Testing (ASSIST)

13. Space Environment Dynamometers