Astrobee Free-flying Robotics System Operations and Sustaining Engineering Unfunded Space Act Agreement to Transfer System Responsibility to Commercial Provider Announcement for Partnership Proposals
ID: 80JSC025ASTROBEEType: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERHOUSTON, TX, 77058, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH (AR11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/ad273ca16c3a4068902797f07df543be/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Johnson Space Center is soliciting proposals for an Unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) to transfer operational responsibility of the Astrobee free-flying robotics system to a commercial provider. The objective is to enable ongoing utilization and engineering support of the Astrobee robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which play a crucial role in assisting researchers with scientific explorations and STEM initiatives. This initiative is significant for advancing commercial space capabilities and fostering private sector involvement in space exploration, while ensuring the continuity of research and operational capabilities in microgravity environments. Interested parties must be U.S.-based entities, submit proposals that demonstrate commercial and technical feasibility, and secure their operational funding independently, as NASA will not provide additional financial support. For further inquiries, contact Ashley Chaves at ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov or call 281-792-7921.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Ashley Chaves
    (281) 792-7921
    ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Astrobee - Executive Summary.pdf
    The Astrobee initiative, outlined by NASA, introduces a free-flying robotic system designed for research and STEM outreach aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Consisting of three cube-shaped robots, software, and a docking station, Astrobee aims to facilitate autonomous logistics management, technology demonstrations, and educational programs. The facility has logged 1,215 hours of operation and is equipped for tasks such as automated spacecraft caretaking, advanced cargo maneuvers, and multi-resolution 3D scanning, among others. Currently, two Astrobees (Bumble and Honey) are operational on the ISS, while a third (Queen) is under repair and expected to be available by August 2024. The technology also includes capabilities for safe on-orbit assembly and navigation for collaborative robotics. This initiative emphasizes its importance in advancing space exploration technology while promoting engagement in STEM fields. The document ultimately highlights Astrobee's successful operations, ongoing contributions to ISS missions, and readiness to support various technological demonstrations and educational outreach efforts.
    Astrobee Announcement for Proposals (AFP).pdf
    NASA is soliciting proposals for the Astrobee free-flying robotics system's operations and sustaining engineering through an Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP) aimed at transitioning this technology to a commercial entity. The Astrobee system, which includes three autonomous cubed-shaped robots designed for various tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is intended to enhance commercial space capabilities. The initiative supports NASA's goal of advancing a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy. Proposals must demonstrate an understanding of the system and outline plans for its commercial utilization, resource acquisition, and addressing eligibility requirements. NASA will enter an Unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) with selected partners, which entails no financial support from NASA, requiring participants to fund their operations independently. The document specifies compliance with U.S. laws and regulations, outlining the resources available to partners and detailing the structure for evaluation, selection, and potential milestones. This initiative exemplifies NASA's commitment to fostering private sector involvement in space exploration while ensuring the continuity of research and operational capabilities in microgravity environments.
    Astrobee Facility Sustaining Overview.pdf
    The document outlines the operational framework and maintenance tasks for the Astrobee Facility, which supports the Astrobee robotic system utilized in the International Space Station (ISS). It details the roles of the Sustainer team in maintaining both on-orbit and ground hardware, emphasizing hardware maintenance, software updates, and operational support for guest scientists. Key hardware components include Freeflyers, batteries, and several specialized labs for testing and support, namely the Granite Lab and Flight Lab. The Sustainer is responsible for various tasks including managing computer resources, conducting safety and verification supports, and ensuring effective coordination during operations. Notably, the document provides insights into software maintenance covering several essential applications, all managed under strict licensing and configuration management protocols. The purpose of the Astrobee Facility is to enhance ISS research capabilities through robotics, facilitating effective collaboration with scientific users while ensuring safety, operational readiness, and continuous improvement of the robotic systems.
    Astrobee Pre-Proposal Conference Charts.pdf
    The Astrobee Free-flying Robotics System is soliciting proposals for an Unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA) to transfer operational responsibility to a commercial provider. This initiative, led by NASA’s Johnson Space Center, aims to enable the ongoing utilization and engineering support of Astrobee robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which assist researchers with scientific explorations and STEM endeavors. The SAA will facilitate a transition to private sector management by the end of September 2025, post which NASA will not provide additional funding. Eligible entities must be U.S.-based and primarily owned by U.S. nationals, complying with regulations such as export controls and telecommunications laws. Proposal submissions must follow a specified outline, including executive summaries, business and technical approaches, and risk management plans. The evaluation will assess commercial and technical feasibility, with NASA planning to award a single SAA based on the best proposal. Moreover, while NASA will provide certain government resources at no cost, participants must secure all operational funding independently. This partnership is pivotal for enhancing NASA's collaboration with the commercial sector in advancing space technology capabilities.
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