NASA Revises National Space Technology Development Priorities

NASA is calling on the American aerospace community for feedback on nearly 190 national space technology needs as it focuses on exploring the Moon, Mars, and the solar system. The Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is shifting how it prioritizes technology development to better align with key stakeholder needs and ensure the most impactful investments.

Dr. Kurt Vogel, associate administrator for Space Technology at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the unique challenges posed by ambitious future missions. Key technology stakeholders, including U.S. industry, academia, and government agencies, will participate in virtual meetings over the next month to provide feedback and submit their shortfall priorities to the agency.

Once the shortfalls are prioritized, NASA will evaluate its ongoing technology development efforts and make any necessary adjustments to align with the identified priorities. This effort is expected to lead to new investments within STMD and partnerships with stakeholders, potentially opening up opportunities for new commercial markets and contributing to the growth of the U.S. space economy.

NASA plans to conduct annual reassessments of its investments and engage stakeholders in the prioritization process to ensure it remains valuable and transparent. The agency aims to build trust and provide a valuable tool for guiding investment strategies across the civil space community.

To review the list of technology shortfalls and contribute to STMD’s prioritization effort, visit www.spacetechpriorities.org. Stay tuned for updates on how NASA’s technology development efforts will evolve to meet the needs of future space exploration missions.