NASA selects 41 technologies from US firms for Moon and Mars missions

NASA's Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO) program has chosen 41 technology proposals submitted by 37 American companies to accelerate capabilities needed for future lunar and Martian missions. The selected projects focus on high‑priority areas such as propulsion, navigation, precision landing, in‑space manufacturing, component assembly and energy management.

The partnership does not provide direct cash grants; instead participating firms gain access to NASA facilities, equipment, software and expertise, with contracts expected to run 12 to 24 months. Since its start in 2015, NASA has contributed roughly $30 million in resources, while the companies have invested about $32 million. One highlighted effort is Lockheed Martin's development of a compact, modular power system designed for permanently shadowed lunar regions and a wireless power‑transfer solution to supply equipment during the long lunar night.