The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has officially partnered with 37 domestic companies to work on 41 cutting-edge technology projects. This strategic collaboration aims to support sustainable human activity on the Moon and lay a strong foundation for future crewed missions to Mars.
This partnership was established through the 2025 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO) program. NASA explained that engaging the private sector is designed to accelerate aerospace technology innovation while strengthening the global space economy ecosystem.
Unlike conventional grant schemes, the ACO program does not provide direct financial injections to private partners. Instead, NASA offers broad access to its laboratory facilities, software, hardware infrastructure, and the technical expertise of its scientists. Since its inception in 2015, the program has facilitated more than 110 projects, with NASA's resource contributions reaching $30 million, matched by $32 million in investments from partner companies.
The technology development focus for this 12-to-24-month program includes navigation systems, space propulsion engines, and power management. Aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has been tasked with maturing a compact modular power system capable of operating in shaded lunar regions, including the development of fiber-optic laser-based wireless power transfer technology.
In addition to large corporations, innovations are also coming from small-scale companies such as Kall Morris Inc., which is designing the Asteria orbital cargo adhesion system, and Moonprint Solutions, which is creating flexible shields against abrasive lunar dust. NASA is optimistic that this synergy will not only ensure the success of space exploration missions but also open up new commercial market opportunities and lower future high-tech operational costs.
