Two aerospace companies in Washington state, New Frontier Aerospace and HyBird Space Systems, are among the 95 ventures that have received project development funding from NASA through its Small Business Innovation Research program. The Phase II SBIR grants are valued at up to $850,000 each and will be distributed over a 24-month contract period, following earlier Phase I funding for the projects. Additionally, each small business was eligible for up to $50,000 in funding from NASA’s Technical and Business Assistance program to identify new market opportunities and work on commercialization strategies. The total funding for 107 projects comes to $93.5 million, with NASA highlighting that 29% of the awardees are from underrepresented groups, including 11% women-owned businesses.
NASA’s SBIR grants are focused on technologies that could advance the agency’s initiatives in space and aeronautics. New Frontier Aerospace is working on rocket-powered aircraft and spacecraft, with their newly announced Phase II grant supporting the development of Bifröst, an orbital transfer spacecraft powered by their 3D-printed Mjölnir rocket engine. This technology is capable of transferring payloads to geostationary Earth orbit or on a course to Mars or Venus, with potential adaptability for lunar lander missions. HyBird Space Systems is developing a retrobraking propulsion system known as the RT-5X, designed to bring inactive spacecraft down from low Earth orbit using environmentally friendly propellants.
In addition to the Washington companies, NASA also awarded Phase II SBIR grants to two ventures in Oregon. The Innovation Laboratory, based in Portland, is working on an AI-based system for advanced air traffic management, while Wilsonville-based IRPI is developing tools for handling and analyzing scientific samples in low-gravity environments. The diversity of projects receiving funding reflects NASA’s commitment to inclusive innovation for mission success. The grants support companies as they strive to bring their technologies to market, working on advancements in space and aeronautics that align with NASA’s goals and initiatives.
New Frontier Aerospace’s Bifröst and HyBird Space Systems’ RT-5X are innovative projects that aim to address challenges in space exploration and spacecraft technology. With Bifröst’s capabilities for transferring payloads to different orbits and planetary destinations, and RT-5X’s focus on bringing spacecraft down safely from orbit, both companies are contributing to the advancement of space technologies. The collaboration between NASA and these small businesses showcases the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and progress in the aerospace industry.
The development of advanced technologies like Bifröst and RT-5X highlights the potential for future space exploration missions and commercial space endeavors. By supporting small businesses through SBIR grants, NASA is fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the aerospace sector. The diversity of companies receiving funding, including those from underrepresented groups, demonstrates NASA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its partnerships and initiatives. These projects represent the latest efforts in pushing the boundaries of space technology and advancing our capabilities in exploring and utilizing space for scientific research, commercial ventures, and beyond.
Overall, the Phase II SBIR grants awarded by NASA to New Frontier Aerospace, HyBird Space Systems, and other ventures represent a significant investment in the future of space exploration and technology development. As these companies continue to work on their projects and bring their technologies to market, they contribute to the broader goals of advancing space exploration and aeronautics. The collaboration between NASA and these small businesses reflects a shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and progress in the aerospace industry, paving the way for new advancements in space technology and the potential for future space missions.
