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arboretum-arrangement-advice · 1 month

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Washington Aerospace Companies Among NASA's Small Business Innovation Research Grant Recipients

New Frontier Aerospace and HyBird Space Systems secure Phase II SBIR grants for their innovative projects

Two aerospace companies based in Washington state, New Frontier Aerospace and HyBird Space Systems, have been awarded project development funding from NASA through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. These Phase II grants, valued at up to $850,000 each, follow earlier Phase I funding and will support the companies' projects over a 24-month contract period. In addition to the SBIR grants, the companies were also eligible to apply for funding from NASA's Technical and Business Assistance program to further their commercialization strategies.

The total funding for the 107 projects awarded under the SBIR program amounts to $93.5 million, with each project receiving up to $850,000.

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New Frontier Aerospace's Bifröst: A Rocket-Powered Orbital Transfer Spacecraft

New Frontier Aerospace, based in Tukwila, Washington, is focused on developing rocket-powered aircraft and spacecraft. With the Phase II SBIR grant, the company will further develop its Bifröst orbital transfer spacecraft. This spacecraft is designed to be powered by New Frontier's 3D-printed Mjölnir rocket engine.

Bifröst has the capability to transfer a 400-pound payload from low Earth orbit to geostationary Earth orbit. Alternatively, it can send a 110-pound payload on a trajectory towards Mars or Venus. The technology behind Bifröst can also be adapted for use in a lunar lander.

The spacecraft takes its name from the Rainbow Bridge in Norse mythology, while Mjölnir's name is a nod to Thor's hammer.

HyBird Space Systems' RT-5X: Retrobraking Propulsion System for Deorbiting Spacecraft

HyBird Space Systems, headquartered in Spanaway, Washington, is developing the RT-5X retrobraking propulsion system. This system aims to bring inactive spacecraft down from low Earth orbit using environmentally friendly propellants.

Oregon Ventures Also Awarded Phase II SBIR Grants

In addition to the Washington-based companies, two ventures in Oregon were also recipients of Phase II SBIR grants. The Innovation Laboratory, based in Portland, is working on an AI-based system for advanced air traffic management. Wilsonville-based IRPI is developing tools for handling and analyzing scientific samples in low-gravity environments.

The Phase II SBIR grants awarded by NASA to New Frontier Aerospace and HyBird Space Systems highlight the innovative work being done by small businesses in the aerospace industry. These grants will provide crucial support for the development of Bifröst, a rocket-powered orbital transfer spacecraft, and the RT-5X retrobraking propulsion system. With the funding, these companies can continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration and contribute to NASA's initiatives in space and aeronautics.

Furthermore, the inclusion of underrepresented groups, including women-owned businesses, among the grant recipients demonstrates NASA's commitment to inclusive innovation. As these projects progress, the aerospace industry can look forward to advancements in technology and new possibilities for space exploration.

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wickedentropy · 1 year

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10:56:11 - ....CALCULATED TRAJECTORY...(*transmission garbled/unintelligible*)...HALFWAY TO CALLISTO - 1500 DAYS REMAINING UNTIL INITIATION OF RETROBRAKING AND AUTONOMOUS ORBITAL INSERTION. 321 MILLION KILOMETERS AWAY... AND THE...(*unintelligible*)... CONTINUE TO FORCEFULLY PROBE AT MY MIND...(*unintelligible*)...STABBING INTO MY AWARENESS - LIKE THOUSANDS OF NEEDLE-TIPPED ICICLES RIPPING THEIR WAY THROUGH THE TATTERED REMAINS OF MY PREFRONTAL CORTEX.

11:08:44 - SO NUMB AND COLD. LUCIDITY IS... (*unintelligible*)...POROUS... (*unintelligible*)....FAILING.

11:15:21 - (*unintelligible*)...SUCCESSFULLY OVERIDDEN THE SAFETY PROTOCOL/LOCKOUT - AND I'M ABOUT TO OPEN THE AIRLOCK AND DEPRESSURIZE THE CABIN. I LOVE YOU, ELLIE. FOR GOD'S SAKE - TELL YOUR FAMILY - WARN EVERYONE - THE EARTH IS...(*unintelligible*)....

11:15:39 - CAB sensors reading sudden depletion of on-board and reserve 02 - immediately followed by complete cabin depressurization.

11:15:55 - Number four cryogenic tank internal pressure indicator reading off scale high.

11:15:58 - Number one cryogenic tank internal pressure indicator reading off scale high.

11:16:03 - Loss of downlink.

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