In Space Manufacturing-Advanced Space Technologies for Resilient Operations (ISM-ASTRO)

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) In-Space Manufacturing- Advanced Space Technologies for Resilient Operations (ISM-ASTRO)
THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.
This notice is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to solicit responses from interested parties to gain industry feedback and gauge interest in a potential future opportunity. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to provide feedback and promote competition.
I. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) is essential for NASA’s sustained presence in space. The advancement of this manufacturing segment is critical to the agency’s strategic plan as it increases mission flexibility and repair capabilities, allows for the creation of large structures on-site, and reduces the number of spare parts that must be carried on missions. ISM enables human presence to be extended from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to the Moon and Mars. In addition, it promotes the exploration of new frontiers, scientific discovery, economic growth through transformational space technologies, and innovation that potentially includes terrestrial applications.
To this end, NASA is inviting input from the commercial sector for the next steps of manufacturing in space; first, in-orbit around the Earth, and then, on the surface of the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and other planetary bodies. Advancements in metallic manufacturing methods suitable for the space environment are specifically of interest; however, other focus areas also to be considered are recycling, electronics, modeling, and verification technologies. Autonomous and limited human-input ISM methods are of specific interest. Respondents are encouraged to share and promote their own cutting-edge technologies currently in existence or near-term development plans though which the above goals could be realized.
Furthermore, NASA is seeking information regarding likely infusion points aligning with commercial and private efforts for in-space manufacturing. Leveraging of metallic manufacturing processes for support of all aspects of sustained space presence are of interest, including (but not limited to) outfitting, repair, maintenance, assembly, construction, and production. Identification of current gaps in technology which NASA can advance for realization of respondents’ business plans is also emphatically invited.
II. GROUND RULES/ASSUMPTIONS
The objective of this effort is to engage the space industrial base, and potential entrants into the growing space economy by assisting NASA with:
1. Defining the current state of ISM and related processes, focusing on metallics manufacturing, but also considering verification technologies, process and product modeling, repair, recycling, and electronics manufacturing.
2. Identifying mission infusion points for ISM technologies that align with existing commercial business plans and goals, including any gaps or barriers to infusion.
3. Determining the most effective near-term actions which can be taken to advance the maturity of these methods in alignment with both NASA’s mission and commercial goals.
Responses to this RFI may be used to inform a potential future opportunity for ISM-related missions, payloads, demonstrations, and/or infusion into the larger mission structure. Respondents may choose to answer some or all questions and may add additional content to questions as they see as necessary and relevant.
III. QUESTIONS FOR INDUSTRY
Respondents are requested to provide the following information to assist in NASA's preparation of a potential future opportunity:
1. What ISM technologies and methods would be provided as an end-to-end service, with specific responsibilities for the following phases (if applicable):
• Development / Testing
• Launch vehicle integration
• Deployment
• Processing/Production
• Verification/Certification of Product
• Repair and Maintenance
• Resupply
• Recycling and/or Retirement
If there is not an interest in providing the full end-to-end service, detail which portions are of interest? Which ISM focus areas (metals, verification, recycling, and electronics) would be most aligned with the service(s)?
For each task, please indicate current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), cost requested, the most significant cost driver per phase, the anticipated schedule per phase, and the most significant technical roadblocks.
2. What level of NASA support would be expected/needed as part of a potential future opportunity? Consider the following:
• Assisting in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Hardening existing processes for use in a space environment
• Providing subject matter expertise on manufacturing processes best suited for the space environment
• Arranging rideshare or other methods of space environment testing or delivery
• Identifying potential customers and/or vendors in the space economic ecosystem
• Any other items
3. What risks are foreseen to implementing the following aspects by the beginning of Government fiscal year (FY) 2028:
• Technical, inclusive of testing and qualification
• Size (dimensional), Weight (mass), and other launch or landing requirements
• Power, supply, and utilities needs in service
• Programmatic
• Regulatory
• Supply Chain Management
• Others
4. What typical commercial or Government standards would be used when developing a concept of operation to ensure safe and effective operations? Are there any gaps in standards that need to be addressed?
5. What capabilities, utilities, and supplies are foreseen for the host system/spacecraft/lander (if applicable) to provide when deployed and operational?
6. Describe the intended applications for the technology or methods, including any relevant information regarding environment, location, mission type, customers, and/or situational demand.
7. Describe any barriers to implement the technology or methods, including any relevant information regarding environment, demand, technology readiness, available support services, and/or cost.
8. What previous experience or current capabilities would be offered in support of a potential future opportunity? What future capabilities would be sought to enhance or develop a potential future opportunity?
9. Identify the level of interest and any reasons for deterrence from providing a future proposal.
IV. RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS
Respondents may not submit confidential, proprietary, or export-controlled information, including International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) restricted information, in responses to this RFI.
This RFI is not a Request for Proposals, nor is it an Invitation to Bid. This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. The Government may not respond to questions/concerns submitted. The Government may use the information to finalize a potential future opportunity as necessary.
All responses shall be submitted electronically via email to Brent Evans (brent.l.evans@nasa.gov) and Jennifer Jones (jennifer.m.jones@nasa.gov) no later than 5:00PM EDT January 16, 2026. All responses should be limited to eight (8) pages. When responding, reference In Space Manufacturing in any response.
If an announcement is released, then it, and any additional documents, will be available on www.sam.gov. It is the proposers’ responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the announcement and amendments (if any). Potential proposers will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the announcement and amendments, if any.