Parabolic Flight Services

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking information from potential sources for Parabolic Flight Services for the Flight Opportunities Program. The program aims to rapidly demonstrate promising technologies for space exploration, scientific discovery, and the expansion of space commerce through suborbital and hosted orbital testing with industry flight providers. The contractor will be expected to provide comprehensive flight and payload integration services, including flying one or more payloads of varying dimensions, volumes, and mass by means of multiple pre-planned parabolic flight trajectories. The contractor shall also provide payload integration service on the flight vehicle, ensure that the payload is compatible and does not interfere with the vehicle systems and other payloads, and provide pre/post-flight payload support facilities. Some key requirements include: • The ability to achieve microgravity, lunar gravity, and Martian gravity profiles • The ability to verify and maintain reduced gravity accuracy • Payload safety and integration, including ensuring that payloads do not compromise the aircraft's structural, operational, or electrical integrity • The ability to provide payload slots on qualified vehicles with commercial flight operations • The ability to provide access to contractor facilities by government observers and/or NASA affiliates on a non-interference, ad hoc basis • The ability to provide a Payload User's Guide for review and approval by the government • The ability to provide flight service on a vehicle that meets the requirements of the Mission Requirements Document (MRD)