Cryogenic Active Cooling for Human Exploration (CACHE)
ID: 80MSFC24SS_CACHEType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTERHUNTSVILLE, AL, 35812, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

TRANSPORTATION R&D SERVICES; AEROSPACE RESEARCH; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AS23)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/d1c28db10ae24119b62803d2cfeee485/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is seeking information from potential sources for the development and demonstration of active cooling technologies for high-capacity cryocoolers, specifically targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 for Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) storage, with scalability for Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Methane (LCH4) for future long-duration missions. The initiative aims to ensure the availability of advanced cryocooler technology necessary for Mars human exploration missions, addressing challenges such as heat interception at low temperatures, reliability over extended periods, and efficient power and weight performance. Interested organizations, including small businesses and historically underrepresented institutions, are encouraged to submit capability statements by October 6, 2024, to Bryan Bregard at bryan.c.bregard@nasa.gov, as NASA plans to utilize this information to inform its acquisition strategy for the Cryogenic Fluid Management Portfolio Project.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jason Arnold
    (256) 961-0135
    jason.l.arnold@nasa.gov
    Bryan Bregard
    bryan.c.bregard@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment 1_TRL Overview.pdf
    The document outlines the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment framework, which serves as a structured method to evaluate the maturity of technologies in the context of government proposals and grants. It categorizes the development stages of technologies from TRL 1 (basic research) to TRL 9 (successful mission operations), emphasizing the importance of demonstrating functionality, scalability, and resilience in relevant environments. Each TRL level provides specific criteria determining the transition to the next stage, focusing on aspects such as hardware interfaces, fidelity of testing, identification of life-limiting factors, and environmental considerations. The document also underscores the need for clear documentation of developmental history, performance evaluation, and the gaps that need to be addressed for advancing technology readiness. This framework aids stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding funding and development, ensuring technologies are adequately prepared for operational deployment.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Cryogenic Active Cooling for Human Exploration (CACHE)
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