Explore This SectionC.13 Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration (STRIDE) solicits proposals from U.S. industry to conduct design studies of advanced robotic surface and aerial mobility systems with payload transportation and deployment capability for Mars surface operations, and, where applicable, early-stage prototyping of hardware for the same purpose.
These studies will inform the future development of procurable robotic mobility systems that are Mars-environment capable and able to traverse challenging Mars terrain to deliver science payloads across the Martian surface.
This opportunity seeks participation from a broad range of providers–from established space hardware developers to terrestrial robotics companies with potential to enter the space sector–to explore mobility solutions that are both scalable and adaptable to diverse mission scenarios. The goal of the program element is to identify the level of development needed for commercial robotic mobility systems developed for terrestrial and lunar use that could then operate and traverse realistic Martian environments while enabling cost-effective transportation and/or deployment of science payloads. In addition, the program aims to identify key capability gaps and to help advance the broader landscape of robotic exploration at Mars. Proposals are encouraged to articulate how their proposed platform could enhance overall science return.
The following reference documents will be posted on the NSPIRES page for this program element under “Other documents”:
The Proposal Information Package (PIP)
The Executive Summary template
Required Final Study Report Inputs
Model Contract
FAQ (following the receipt of suitable questions)
Pre-Proposal Slides
The required deliverables for completion of the proposed study are given in Section 4 and if selected, the final study report must address all the items identified in the “Required Final Report Inputs” document.
To be eligible, the primary proposing organization must be a “for-profit U.S. organization” of any size that may result in the award of firm-fixed-price contracts, subject to the availability of funds, programmatic priorities, and the merit of submitted proposals. Proposals in response to this program element are limited to those submitted by for-profit U.S. organizations, al …