Star Shade Design, Analysis and Prototyping
ID: 80NSSC25899778QType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA SHARED SERVICES CENTERSTENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS, 39529, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- OTHER (B599)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/0817871a80594f3b9faadd43ba472fd4/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking to procure specialized services for the design, analysis, and prototyping of a starshade, which is crucial for the Hybrid Observatory for Earth-like Exoplanets (HOEE) initiative at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The project aims to develop a lightweight and ultra-compact starshade that will enhance the search for Earth-like exoplanets by improving angular resolution, sensitivity, and contrast in observations. This procurement is significant as it supports NASA's broader goals of exploring complex atmospheres of exoplanets and understanding conditions necessary for life, while ensuring compatibility with existing and future major telescopes. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications to Cody Guidry by 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on April 17, 2025, as the government intends to issue a sole source contract to OMP INC, the identified sole provider for this effort.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Cody Guidry
    cody.d.guidry@nasa.gov
    Shari Trigg
    shari.trigg@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SATPC0038036 Tab 04 4 SOW.pdf
    The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the design and development of the Hybrid Observatory for Earth-like Exoplanets (HOEE) in support of NASA's initiative at the Goddard Space Flight Center. This innovative observatory combines a 100 m diameter starshade in space with advanced ground-based telescopes to enhance the search for Earth-like exoplanets. The HOEE aims to achieve superior angular resolution, sensitivity, and contrast, critical for observing faint planets near bright stars. A lightweight, ultra-compact starshade design will be developed, significantly reducing mass to facilitate construction in space. The project involves six engineering tasks, including defining initial requirements, conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases, and thorough reporting and documentation. Key milestones span from May 2025 for the award through March 2026 for complete documentation. The project prioritizes observing complex atmospheres of exoplanets to explore the conditions required for life and to investigate the prevalence of configurations similar to our Solar System. The design will also ensure compatibility with existing and forthcoming major telescopes, ensuring its broad application across the astronomical community.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Star Shade Design, Analysis and Prototyping
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