Request For Information_5 Newton, low-toxicity (ASCENT) Thrusters

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center to post a Statement of Work to solicit responses from interested parties.  This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. 

According to NASA industry experts, there are currently no known commercial vendors offering flight qualified, high throughput low-toxicity thrusters in the 5 Newton (N) thrust class. The vendor chosen will be able to demonstrate that it can meet the requirements laid out in this Request for Information (RFI).

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for the development of 5 Newton, low-toxicity (ASCENT) flight qualified thrusters which can be used reliably for spacecraft science missions. Science mission activities which drive thruster flight qualification include:

• Use of a low-toxicity, ASCENT propellant.

• Attitude Control System (ACS) thruster/pulse mode operation engines (LEO observatory missions).

• Qualification for operations in deep space or low-earth-orbit (LEO) environments.
• Thruster must be able to handle long duration quiescent periods during spacecraft operations.

Flight qualification for this class of thruster as applied to the science mission activities should focus on the following thruster performance requirements and characteristics, please see the attached RFI,  Statement of Work (TDM-25-5N- SOW) and Specification Document (TDM-25-5N -SPEC) for details on qualification requirements.

This pre-solicitation synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government will use the information to finalize a Request For Proposal (RFP) as necessary.

All comments or questions shall be submitted electronically via email to Jane Bush via email at jane.thomas.bush@nasa.gov and Nehemiah Williams at nehemiah.j.williams@nasa.gov, no later than 9/13/2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. When responding, reference “5 N ASCENT Thruster Qualification.”

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional document will be available on Sam.gov.  It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.

NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents to facilitate teaming arrangements. Should your firm desire not to be included in this listing, clearly indicate this desire in your response.

Attachments:

1. 5N ASCENT Thruster Qualification RFI
2. Statement of Work (SOW) TDM-25-5N -SOW
3. Deliverable Items List and Schedule (DILS) (Appendix A in SOW)
4. Performance Specification (SPEC) TDM-25-5N -SPEC