NASA Awards $150K to Luna Labs for Extraterrestrial Fungal Brickworks Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $149,996 ($150.0K)
Contractor: Luna Labs USA LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-29
End Date: 2026-06-28
Contract Duration: 272 days
Daily Burn Rate: $551/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STTR PHASE I EXTRATERRESTRIAL FUNGAL BRICKWORKS
Place of Performance
Location: CHARLOTTESVILLE, CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22903
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $149,996 to LUNA LABS USA LLC for work described as: STTR PHASE I EXTRATERRESTRIAL FUNGAL BRICKWORKS Key points: 1. This contract focuses on novel materials science for space exploration. 2. Luna Labs USA LLC is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability. 3. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting an early-stage research project. 4. The R&D sector is characterized by high innovation potential and inherent risk.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $149,996 is typical for STTR Phase I awards, which are designed to explore the feasibility of innovative concepts. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the physical sciences, this amount appears reasonable for initial research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims to ensure fair competition while allowing for specialized expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value, which is focused on early-stage research and development with potential long-term benefits for space exploration.
Public Impact
Potential for groundbreaking advancements in extraterrestrial construction materials. Supports NASA's long-term goals for lunar and Martian habitation. Fosters innovation in the private sector for space technologies. Could lead to new commercial applications for advanced materials.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Research novelty and high failure rate inherent in R&D
- Limited scope of Phase I may not fully validate technology
- Dependence on specific expertise of Luna Labs
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for sustainable extraterrestrial infrastructure
- Small award size minimizes initial financial risk
- Potential for significant technological leap
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but often involves higher risk due to the experimental nature of the work. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific research area.
Small Business Impact
While this award is not directly to a small business (Luna Labs USA LLC's size is not specified), STTR programs are designed to encourage small business innovation. The nature of the award suggests a focus on specialized R&D capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely involve regular technical reviews and milestone reporting by Luna Labs to NASA, ensuring progress aligns with the research objectives and that funds are used appropriately for this early-stage development.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Technological feasibility in extreme environments
- Material performance and durability
- Scalability of production
- Long-term sustainability of the solution
- Potential for unforeseen biological challenges
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $149,996 to LUNA LABS USA LLC. STTR PHASE I EXTRATERRESTRIAL FUNGAL BRICKWORKS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LUNA LABS USA LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $149,996.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-06-28.
What is the projected timeline for Luna Labs to demonstrate the feasibility of their fungal brickwork concept?
The STTR Phase I contract duration is 272 days, ending in June 2026. During this period, Luna Labs is expected to conduct initial research and feasibility studies. Successful completion of Phase I would typically lead to a proposal for Phase II, which would involve more extensive development and prototyping.
What are the primary risks associated with developing extraterrestrial fungal brickworks?
Key risks include the viability of fungal growth in extraterrestrial environments (radiation, vacuum, temperature extremes), the structural integrity and durability of the resulting material under space conditions, and the scalability of the production process. Unforeseen biological or material science challenges could also arise.
How will the effectiveness of this research be measured by NASA?
Effectiveness will be measured by Luna Labs' ability to meet the technical objectives outlined in the STTR proposal, such as demonstrating fungal growth and material formation under simulated extraterrestrial conditions. Key performance indicators will likely include material strength, density, and resistance to environmental factors, as well as a clear plan for future development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 500
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Luna Innovations Incorporated
Address: 706 FOREST ST STE A, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 22903
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $149,996
Exercised Options: $149,996
Current Obligation: $149,996
Actual Outlays: $100,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-29
Current End Date: 2026-06-28
Potential End Date: 2026-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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