NASA Seeks Stakeholder Inputs on Space Technology Gaps to Pinpoint Development Priorities

NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate is soliciting inputs from the U.S. aerospace sector on almost 190 space technology shortfalls or gaps that it has identified as vital for future space missions and scientific endeavors. 

STMD is gathering feedback via the Space Tech Priorities website until May 13. Consultations through virtual meetings with key space technology stakeholders, including industry, academia and other government agencies, will also be held in May to help refine space technology development priorities, NASA said Tuesday.

The critical technology shortfalls that STMD has identified include additive manufacturing, cryogenic fluid management, advanced avionics and space nuclear propulsion.

Kurt Vogel, STMD associate administrator, said the directorate is moving toward “a more open and collaborative approach” for better prioritization in the development of critical technologies for key stakeholder needs.

According to NASA, it will process the feedback gathered to create a final list of shortfall priorities that it plans to release to stakeholders and the public. The agency expects the prioritization to identify new STMD investments or partnerships with its stakeholders.