NASA Selects 41 Proposals to Advance Lunar and Mars Exploration Technologies
NASA has selected 41 proposals from 37 companies through its 2025 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO) to advance technologies for lunar and Mars exploration. The agreements involve no exchange of funds, with NASA providing companies access to its facilities, software, hardware, and expertise.
Partnership Structure and Scope
The selected projects focus on maturing technologies for space transportation, planetary surface operations, and lunar surface infrastructure. Since 2015, NASA has supported over 110 projects through the ACO program.
The total estimated value of NASA resources for the selected agreements is approximately $30 million, with an additional $32 million contributed by industry partners. Performance periods for the agreements range from 12 to 24 months.
Selected Technology Areas
Power generation: Lockheed Martin will mature a modular compact energy solution for lunar permanently shadowed regions. The project includes wireless power transfer using fiber lasers and a space-based heat rejection system.
In-space logistics: Kall Morris Inc. will develop Asteria, a supplemental payload attachment system that uses a non-destructive controlled-release adhesive for orbital assets.
Dust mitigation: Moonprint Solutions will develop flexible isolation covers designed to protect hardware from lunar dust, with applications for rovers, joints, hoses, and articulated equipment.
Official Statement
"NASA is empowering American industry to become active partners in our missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond."
— Greg Stover, director of NASA's Advanced Research and Technology Division
Stover noted that the partnerships allow for rapid capability development while fostering the nation's space economy.
The complete list of selected proposals is available on NASA's website.