NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center, Procurement, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

A -- MAGNETIC LAUNCH ASSIST PROJECT DUE 033100 POC Lynn E. Rafford, Contract Specialist, Phone (321) 867-7364, Fax (321) 867-2042, Email Lynn.Rafford-1@ksc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=76#MLA. E-MAIL: Lynn E. Rafford, Lynn.Rafford-1@ksc.nasa.gov. Description for notice to locate university sources for Magnetic Launch Assist Project. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soliciting information from potential university sources to support the Magnetic Launch Assist (MLA) Project at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). KSC has recently begun a long term program which is expected to lead to a full scale MLA system in ten years. The MLA will allow future rockets to be accelerated at 2 gravities (Gs) on the ground and released at a speed of 600 miles per hour (mph), providing a substantial decrease in the cost of getting payload into orbit. We wish to locate established groups which are active in MLA and its related technologies. Our interest during this early phase of the project is to fund studies in selected, but relatively, broad areas to determine what options for an MLA system appear feasible and to determine what technology areas should be supported to help increase the probability of success of the overall project. The specific goals of this early phase of the MLA project are 1) to fund a study to help determine what track and sled configurations could be used in an MLA system, 2) to fund a study to determine what energy storage and delivery systems are possible for a future MLA system, 3) to interface with active researchers in this field to increase in-house expertise and to develop system requirements, and 4) to determine specific technology areas requiring development. Interested university groups which are active in magnetic launch assist and its related technologies should submit a capability statement of (6) six pages or less. The capability statement should specifically address your group's experience in MLA technologies, highlighting electromagnetic propulsion and levitation systems and energy storage and delivery systems. NASA intends to award a research grant based on the responses received. Preference will be given to the demonstration of operational systems as opposed to performing studies, though all levels of expertise are sought. Preference will be given to breadth of knowledge and leadership in overall system development, than to expertise in any specific technology. Preference will also be given to groups which have performed continuous research and development for a substantial number of years. Technical questions should be directed to any of the following personnel: Frederick Adams (321) 867-9167 Frederick.Adams-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov Robert Youngquist (321) 867-1829 Robert.Youngquist-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov Jose Perez-Morales (321) 867-1453 Jose.Perez-Morales-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov Posted 03/01/00 (D-SN430151). (0061)

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