Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA is asking U.S.-based collegiate teams to submit bold, original concepts to the 2027 edition of a student challenge focused on aerospace innovation that could help the agency envision a future on the Moon shaped by new technology. The latest NASA Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition invites student

Posted August 14, 2026

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

Ames Research Center

Research and Technology Mission Directorate

Small Spacecraft Technology Program

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Technology

NASA Announces New Spacecraft Technology Demonstration Mission at Moon

NASA is working with industry to advance the next phase of cislunar infrastructure for the agency’s Artemis program and Moon Base, including orbital assets and demonstrations.

Posted July 24, 2026

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program

NIAC Studies

Research and Technology Mission Directorate

Mapping Alien Continents: Achieving Optical VLBI for Exoplanet Imaging

Paul StankusBrookhaven Science Associates The scientific goal of the proposed work will be reconstructing the image, ie resolving surface features, of an Earth-like exoplanet around a nearby star as seen in visible light. The innovation is in two stages.

Posted July 21, 2026

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program

NIAC Studies

Research and Technology Mission Directorate

Photophoretic Tracers for Near-Space Remote Sensing at 30-100 km Altitudes

Benjamin SchaferRarified Technologies, Inc. We propose a new approach to atmospheric sensing at 30-100 km altitudes using photophoretically levitating tracers. These lightweight structures harness sunlight to remain suspended for up to months at controlled altitudes and can be remotely tracked by satellite-based lidar or radar.

Posted July 21, 2026

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative

Moon Base

NASA Seeks Industry Input to Accelerate Lunar Surface Technologies

Long-term lunar exploration requires technology, infrastructure, and operations that function together cohesively on the surface of the Moon. To accelerate the development of key lunar surface systems and reduce risk, NASA and industry must work together in the design, development, testing, and evaluation of innovative solutions that support U.S.

Posted June 29, 2026

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Glenn Research Center

Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative

Lunar Surface Technology Research

Technology

NextSTEP-3 A: Lunar Enabling Technology

Solicitation Number: 80GRC026R0008 May 19, 2026 – Synopsis issued June 29, 2026 – Draft BAA and Appendix A Issued | Web Article NASA issued a draft Broad Agency Announcement under NextSTEP‑3, Appendix A, on June 29, 2026, to advance concepts that accelerate the technological readiness of critical systems for lunar surface and cislunar architectur

Posted June 29, 2026

Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM)

Marshall Space Flight Center

Missions

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Technology Demonstration

Technology Demonstration Missions Program

NASA Tests New Device for Future In-Space Refueling Missions

For NASA’s next generation of deep space exploration missions, spacecraft may need to refuel in Earth orbit before pushing farther into the solar system. Similar to how a gas pump needs a nozzle to fit your fuel tank, future spacecraft could require a special device in order to fill up prior to departure, known as […]

Posted June 26, 2026

Technology

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Identifies More Than 40 Space Technologies for Collaboration

NASA selected 41 proposals from 37 companies to advance technologies in support of the agency’s goals to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and enable human exploration of Mars.

Posted June 26, 2026

General

Aeronautics Research

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

Glenn Research Center

Materials Science

NASA Centers & Facilities

Space Technology Mission Directorate

New Material Could Help NASA Melt Moon Rocks, Harness Lunar Resources

A material recently discovered and tested at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland could help astronauts pack lighter for future missions to the Moon.

Posted May 22, 2026

Technology

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Releases Technology Priorities to Energize Space Industry

NASA released the 2026 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking list on Wednesday, which integrates more than 400 responses from stakeholders including industry organizations, government agencies, and academia. Shortfalls refer to technology areas requiring further development to meet future exploration, science, and other mission needs.

Posted May 20, 2026