NASA has awarded a contract to Nanocomp Technologies Inc. for the continued development of high strength carbon nanotube (CNT) material. The firm-fixed-price contract allows for the improvement of manufacturing high-strength CNT yarn/tape used in developing CNT composites with strength properties at least double that of carbon fibre composites in use today.

The contract is a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) award funded by NASA’s Game Changing Development programme. The period of performance began from September 26, 2018, with a 15-month base period followed by a 17-month option for ongoing development. The potential value for the combined base and option period is $8.1 million, NASA said in a press release.

The overall project is managed by the Advanced Materials and Processing branch in the Research Directorate at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

The SBIR programme encourages small businesses to develop innovative ideas that meet the specific research and development needs of the federal government. Phase I work and results provide a sound basis for the continued development, demonstration and delivery of the proposed innovation in Phase II and follow-on efforts. Phase III is the commercialisation of innovative technologies, products and services resulting from either a Phase I or Phase II contract. The Game Changing Development programme aims to advance exploratory concepts and deliver transition ready technology solutions to NASA missions and industry. Both programmes fall under NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. (RR)