NASA Offers 'FAST' Opportunities For Zero-G Technology Testing
WASHINGTON -- NASA has announced opportunities to test emerging
technologies during flights on an airplane that simulates the
weightless conditions of space. The technologies should have
potential use in future NASA projects, support future exploration
systems, or improve air and space vehicle capabilities.
NASA's Facilitated Access to the Space Environment for Technology, or
FAST, program helps emerging technologies mature through testing in a
reduced gravity environment. In order to prepare technologies for
space applications it is important to demonstrate that they work in a
zero-gravity environment.
This unique testing environment is provided by an aircraft flying
repeated parabolic, or bowl-shaped, flight paths that create brief
periods of zero gravity. The aircraft also can simulate reduced
gravity levels similar to those on the surface of the moon or Mars.
Testing opportunities are being offered to U.S. federal, state and
local government entities. Private U.S. organizations, including
commercial firms, non-profits and academic institutions also are
eligible. Through a partnership agreement, NASA will provide free
flight time for the tests, while project teams will be responsible
for all other expenses.
Proposals are due by Monday, April 19, 2010. Technology demonstration
flights will occur in September 2010 from Ellington Field in Houston.
NASA expects to select approximately 15 to 20 projects for the test
flights.
In September 2009, the FAST program provided reduced-gravity testing
opportunities for 19 technology projects conducted by private
businesses, government laboratories and universities. Information
about those projects and teams is available on the FAST program Web
site.
NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program at NASA Headquarters in
Washington manages the FAST program. The Reduced Gravity Office at
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston provides test management for
the flights. NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is providing
technical and administrative assistance to the FAST program.
For more information about FAST including a link to the opportunity
announcement, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
Source: NASA
