Initial Results from NASA's FAST Project -- Advancing Technology using Commercial Parabolic Flight Services
- Paper number
IAC-08.A2.3.10
- Author
Mr. Douglas Comstock, NASA, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP) recently initiated a new activity – Facilitated Access to the Space environment for Technology development and training (FAST) – to provide more opportunities for advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) of needed technologies by providing partnership opportunities to demonstrate technologies in reduced-gravity environments. Technology infusion into NASA programs and projects is a priority for NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP). Currently, space technology development often stalls at the mid-technology readiness levels due to lack of opportunities to test prototypes in relevant environments. In addition, limited testing opportunities often have high associated costs or require lengthy waits. NASA's Strategic Capability Assets Program (SCAP) selected Zero-G Corp. in January, 2008 to provide commercial parabolic aircraft flight services to simulate multiple gravity environments. FAST is working with SCAP and is purchasing services through this new procurement mechanism to provide partnership opportunities aimed at advancing needed space technologies to higher TRLs. The objective is to provide advanced technologies with risk levels that enable more infusion, meeting the priorities of NASA’s Mission Directorates and their Programs and Projects, and to demonstrate how purchase of commercial services can help address important Agency needs. This paper summarizes progress to date with the FAST program, including technology demonstrations achieved and planned.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)