AI Insight
NASA has issued a draft Broad Agency Announcement under NextSTEP-3 Appendix A to advance lunar surface and cislunar technologies. The solicitation targets key capability areas including vertical solar arrays, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) oxygen production, Stirling radioisotope generators, in-space manufacturing, and advanced nanomaterials production. The program aims to mature these technologies to Technology Readiness Level 5-6 through risk reduction and ground-based testing to support NASA's Moon Base objectives.
Why it matters
These technologies are critical enablers for sustained human presence on the Moon, addressing fundamental needs like power generation, oxygen production from lunar resources, and on-site manufacturing capabilities. Maturing these systems reduces mission risks and costs for near-term lunar exploration and establishes infrastructure foundations for long-term habitation.
Understand the Science
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Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
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 architecture.
This solicitation seeks to close key technology gaps and mature capabilities in vertical solar arrays, ISRU oxygen production systems, Stirling radioisotope generators, in‑space manufacturing, and advanced nanomaterials production.
It focuses on identifying technology areas that require further risk reduction and ground‑based testing to mature competing solutions to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6. Funded efforts will advance the technology objectives of NASA’s Moon Base by demonstrating critical systems and accelerating the development of transformative capabilities needed for near‑term mission success.
For more information, read the Lunar Enabling Infrastructure Accelerator (LEIA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) NextSTEP-3 Appendix A – Draft Solicitation on SAM.gov.
