Astral Materials Parabolic Flight Investigation of Silicon Semiconductor Growth
ID: 80NSSC25896839QType: 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

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; BASIC RESEARCH (AJ11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/04b9334a172346b19deb16382744e056/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to issue a sole source contract to ASTRAL FORGE, LLC for the Astral Materials Parabolic Flight Investigation of Silicon Semiconductor Growth. This initiative aims to advance semiconductor manufacturing capabilities through microgravity-assisted crystal growth, utilizing parabolic flight tests to validate hardware and key parameters necessary for silicon crystal production in space. The project is aligned with the "CHIPS for America" initiative and emphasizes the importance of materials science for aerospace applications, with a focus on developing a furnace capable of high-temperature silicon processing. Interested parties may submit their qualifications by March 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. CST, with Cara Craft as the primary contact for submissions at cara.s.craft@nasa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Cara Craft
    cara.s.craft@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    SATPC0037746 Tab 04 4 SOW _Redacted.pdf
    Astral Materials, Inc. is undertaking the development of a microgravity-assisted crystal growth furnace as part of a NASA SBIR IGNITE Phase II contract, aligned with the "CHIPS for America" initiative to enhance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. This project aims to enable in-space production of high-quality silicon crystals, addressing technical challenges posed by Earth's gravity. Parabolic flight tests are planned to validate hardware and key parameters necessary for semiconductor growth in microgravity, with a focus on molten metal confinement, cooling systems, and thermal models. Key project milestones include flight reservation, experiment design delivery, safety data submission, and subsequent reporting on the outcomes of the flight tests. The furnace is designed to heat silicon samples to high temperatures, equipped with sensors and cameras for in-situ analysis of crystal growth. Results will be analyzed to establish baseline metrics for future space-based processes. The initiative represents a significant step towards commercial in-space manufacturing, targeting a market projected to grow substantially by 2034. The entire project is set to run through February 2026, with a strong emphasis on hardware validation rather than immediate material production quality.
    SATPC0037746 Tab 07 Capability Statement FBO Posting.pdf
    NASA/NSSC is planning to issue a sole source contract to ASTRAL FORGE, LLC for the Astral Materials Parabolic Flight Investigation of Silicon Semiconductor Growth. This decision is based on FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), which allows for such contracts when only one supplier is deemed capable. The procurement will utilize the provisions of FAR Parts 12 and 13, and will take place at a designated NASA center. Interested parties can submit their qualifications until March 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. CST, which will help NASA determine if there is interest in a competitive bidding process. The point of contact for submissions is Cara Craft, and oral communications are not permitted. Additionally, the notice references the applicable NASA Ombudsman for this acquisition, ensuring oversight and communication for potential contractors. This initiative emphasizes NASA's focus on semiconductor growth research via unique parabolic flight investigations, highlighting the importance of advancing materials science for aerospace applications.
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    Astral Materials Parabolic Flight Investigation of Silicon Semiconductor Growth
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