Signing of Umbrella Space Act Agreement with NASA over space
Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) July 14, 2023
The Space Development Corporation, a major player in the space technology sector, recently signed an Umbrella Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA, a development that will have significant implications for both parties. This five-year SAA outlines the potential for collaboration on a variety of technologies designed for commercial, civil and government customers, marking an important step in the advancement of the space industry.
The contract provides access to NASA facilities and services over space development, helping the organization test and improve its systems, equipment and technology.
Rhonda Stevenson, Ebou’s CEO and president, spoke about the potential of the deal. “Our new umbrella space law agreement with NASA will enable the above to test and validate software, technology and components that may be used on future cislunar space stations and near-term launch projects.”
With support from this agreement, which complements the two major Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) agreements above, they are even more optimistic about ABOVE’s potential for a competitive industry position. The SBIR contracts focus on developing a ground-to-orbit energy receiver platform and in-space manufacturing of lightweight, thin-film solar photovoltaics (PV).
This collaboration offers value to NASA not only for the above achievements, but also by providing insight into the technological advances and innovations above. In particular, the above will shed light on their work within the hybrid and microgravity initiatives and enhance NASA’s understanding of these areas.
One location highlighted for collaboration under this agreement is NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. The above tests will be conducted at MSFC’s flat floor facility, known for its perfectly flat surface, which allows objects to move almost frictionlessly on a cushion of air.
MSFC’s flat-floor facility has a long history of validating a range of space technologies, including the space shuttles, which serves as a testament to the facility’s importance within the space industry. The above will join the ranks of companies that have benefited from the facility, taking advantage of the unique environment to test their own space engineering technologies.
This new collaboration between Above and NASA demonstrates the growing interdependence and collaboration between government agencies and private industry in the emerging space sector. As the space industry continues to grow and develop, there is no doubt that the partnership between Above and NASA will play a critical role in advancing the frontiers of technology and space exploration.
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