Nasa
The 13ft diameter cryogenic storage test tank evaluated technologies to reduce the evaporation or 'boil off' propellant losses. Credit: Nasa.

Nasa has selected 14 American companies as partners under public-private partnerships to advance ‘Tipping Point’ technologies for the moon and Mars.

Selected companies include Alpha Space Test and Research Alliance, Astrobotic Technology, Eta Space of Merritt Island, Intuitive Machines, Lockheed Martin, Masten Space Systems, Nokia of America Corporation, pH Matter, Precision Combustion, Sierra Nevada Corporation, SpaceX, SSL Robotics, Teledyne Energy Systems, United Launch Alliance (ULA).

The combined value of the selection is expected to reach more than $370m.

The proposals were submitted in response to Nasa’s fifth competitive Tipping Point solicitation.

The areas of interest range from a full cryogenic oxygen fluid management system small-scale flight demonstration to first LTE / 4G communications system in space and more.

Nasa administrator Jim Bridenstine said: “Nasa’s significant investment in innovative technology demonstrations, led by small and large US businesses across nine states, will expand what is possible in space and on the lunar surface.

“Together, Nasa and industry are building up an array of mission-ready capabilities to support a sustainable presence on the moon and future human missions to Mars.”

Majority of the funding has been awarded to Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and ULA.

The agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate will discuss with the companies to develop fixed-price contracts lasting for up to five years.

Recently, Nasa and eight partner nations signed up to the Artemis Accords to bolster space exploration and enhance peaceful relationships.

Under the Artemis programme, Nasa plans to return to the lunar surface in 2024 with first woman and next man.