Nasa seeks ways to handle Trash for deep space missions

Nasa is seeking a new trash compaction and processing systems (TCPS) for deep space missions.

Part of the agency’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) Broad Agency Announcement, Appendix F: Logistics Reduction in Space by Trash Compaction and Processing System, the call is open to the companies based in the US.

It will involve the development of a TCPS prototype, which will be demonstrated on the International Space Station (ISS).

Nasa said in a statement: “Future spacecraft, much farther from Earth, likely will not have the regular cadence of visiting commercial ships that can remove trash, so Nasa is turning to US industry to advance concepts for trash compaction and processing systems.”

“Storing trash inside a spacecraft not only consumes precious volume, but also can create physical and biological hazards for the crew.

“Storage also removes the option to extract valuable leftover resources that could be recycled or repurposed. The solicitation seeks solutions that compact trash, remove biological and physical safety concerns, and recover trapped resources for potential reuse or repurposing.”

Development of the TCPS will take place in two phases.

In Phase A, selected companies will build a concept system, conduct design reviews with Nasa, and authenticate concepts through prototype ground demonstrations.

Phase B will see the development of a flight unit to demonstrate a TCPS aboard the ISS as early as 2022.

As per the NextSTEP partnership protocol, the selected private companies will provide their own corporate resources to develop their respective TCPSs.

The participants will also contribute at least 20%to the overall development cost, while small businesses are required to provide 10%.

Nasa has asked interested participants to send their proposals by 22 August 2018.