NASA awards $850K for advanced batteries, targeting lunar and Mars missions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $849,997 ($850.0K)
Contractor: Physical Sciences Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-29
End Date: 2027-09-28
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/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: PHASE II SBIR -80NSSC25C0482- HIGH ENERGY DENSITY NEXT-GENERATION BATTERIES FOR LUNAR/MARS SURFACE MISSIONS
Place of Performance
Location: ANDOVER, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01810
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $849,997 to PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC. for work described as: PHASE II SBIR -80NSSC25C0482- HIGH ENERGY DENSITY NEXT-GENERATION BATTERIES FOR LUNAR/MARS SURFACE MISSIONS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on high energy density battery technology crucial for deep space exploration. 2. Physical Sciences Inc. is the contractor, with a background in advanced materials research. 3. The contract duration is two years, indicating a focused research and development effort. 4. This award falls under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase II. 5. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and predictable costs for NASA. 6. The research aims to overcome current battery limitations for extended surface operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $849,997 for a two-year R&D effort in advanced battery technology appears reasonable, especially considering the specialized nature of the work and the SBIR program's goal of fostering innovation. Benchmarking against similar SBIR Phase II awards for materials science and energy storage suggests this is within a typical range. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies an initial exclusion of sources followed by a broader competition. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was ultimately employed, aiming to solicit proposals from a wide range of qualified entities.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process, even with initial exclusions, is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to offer their best solutions and pricing, potentially leading to better value.
Public Impact
This contract directly benefits NASA's long-term goals for human and robotic exploration of the Moon and Mars. The primary service delivered is advanced research and development in next-generation battery technology. The geographic impact is national, supporting innovation within the U.S. aerospace and technology sectors. Workforce implications include supporting highly skilled scientists and engineers in specialized fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology to be difficult to scale or integrate into existing systems.
- Long development timelines inherent in advanced R&D projects can pose risks.
- Dependence on specific material breakthroughs could impact project success.
Positive Signals
- Focus on high energy density addresses a critical need for long-duration space missions.
- SBIR program structure encourages commercialization potential, benefiting future applications.
- Physical Sciences Inc. has a track record in advanced materials, suggesting technical capability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering related to energy storage. The market for advanced battery technology is rapidly growing, driven by demand from electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and aerospace applications. NASA's investment aligns with broader national interests in developing superior energy solutions for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial use.
Small Business Impact
As a Phase II SBIR award, this contract is specifically designed to support small businesses in conducting research and development with commercialization potential. While the contract itself is not a set-aside in the traditional sense (it's competed), the SBIR program's structure inherently benefits small businesses by providing funding and a pathway to government and commercial markets. This award helps foster innovation within the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by NASA, likely through program managers and technical points of contact who will monitor progress against milestones and deliverables. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is facilitated through the SBIR program's reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or mismanagement.
Related Government Programs
- NASA SBIR Program
- Advanced Energy Storage Research
- Lunar and Mars Exploration Technologies
- Materials Science Research Contracts
- Deep Space Mission Support
Risk Flags
- Technical Feasibility Risk
- Schedule Risk in R&D
- Dependence on Material Science Breakthroughs
- Scalability of Developed Technology
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, space-exploration, energy-storage, battery-technology, small-business-innovation-research, firm-fixed-price, phase-ii, physical-sciences, massachusetts, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $849,997 to PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.. PHASE II SBIR -80NSSC25C0482- HIGH ENERGY DENSITY NEXT-GENERATION BATTERIES FOR LUNAR/MARS SURFACE MISSIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC..
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 $849,997.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2027-09-28.
What is the specific technological advancement sought in these next-generation batteries?
The contract seeks advancements in high energy density batteries specifically tailored for the harsh environments of lunar and Mars surface missions. This implies a focus on improving the amount of energy stored per unit of mass and volume, crucial for reducing launch weight and extending operational duration away from power sources. Key performance metrics likely include cycle life, temperature tolerance (both extreme heat and cold), resistance to radiation, and safety under reduced gravity conditions. The goal is to overcome the limitations of current battery technologies, which may not be sufficiently robust or energy-dense for long-term, autonomous surface operations on other celestial bodies.
How does this contract compare to other NASA R&D investments in battery technology?
This contract represents a targeted investment within NASA's broader portfolio of advanced power systems research. While NASA invests in various energy technologies, including solar, fuel cells, and radioisotope power systems, this specific award focuses on chemical energy storage solutions. Compared to larger, more foundational research grants, the SBIR Phase II structure suggests a focus on a specific, well-defined technological objective with a clearer path toward potential application. The $850K award size is typical for Phase II SBIRs, indicating a focused, but not massive, investment compared to larger system-level development contracts.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks include technical feasibility (developing batteries with significantly higher energy density and durability for space) and schedule risk (R&D projects can encounter unforeseen delays). Mitigation strategies include the SBIR program's phased approach, allowing for initial feasibility studies (Phase I) before committing to more extensive development (Phase II). The firm fixed-price contract incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and timelines effectively. NASA's technical oversight and the contractor's established expertise in physical sciences also serve as risk mitigation factors. Furthermore, the focus on specific performance goals allows for clear evaluation of progress.
What is the expected impact of this research on future space exploration capabilities?
Successful development of these next-generation batteries could significantly enhance future space exploration capabilities. Lighter and more powerful batteries would reduce payload mass, lowering launch costs and enabling more scientific equipment or supplies to be carried. Extended operational times for rovers, landers, and surface habitats are a direct benefit, allowing for more extensive exploration, data collection, and potentially longer human stays on the Moon and Mars. This could accelerate the pace of discovery and support the establishment of sustainable off-world presences by providing reliable, high-performance power sources independent of solar availability or other constraints.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar battery R&D contracts at NASA?
NASA has a history of investing in advanced power and energy storage solutions to support its ambitious exploration goals. Spending patterns vary significantly based on the technology maturity and scale. Smaller SBIR contracts, like this one, are common for early-stage research and specific component development, often in the range of hundreds of thousands to a few million dollars over one to three years. Larger, more integrated system development contracts for power systems on flagship missions can run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. This $850K award fits the profile of targeted, innovative research aimed at overcoming specific technological hurdles for future mission architectures.
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
Address: 20 NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS CENTER DR, ANDOVER, MA, 01810
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $849,997
Exercised Options: $849,997
Current Obligation: $849,997
Actual Outlays: $50,000
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-29
Current End Date: 2027-09-28
Potential End Date: 2027-09-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
More Contracts from Physical Sciences Inc.
- Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) Aims to Develop and Commercialize a First-Of-Its-Kind In-Line Cytometry Process Analytical Technology (ilc-Pat) That Enables Real-Time, Single-Cell Level Monitoring of Critical Bioprocess Parameters to Improve the Manufac — $3.5M (Department of the Interior)
- Research and Development — $3.0M (Department of Defense)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →