Ad Astra Rocket Company and NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) signed a Support Agreement on March 2 to collaborate on tasks related to space-based cryogenic magnet operations and electric propulsion systems for Ad Astra’s VASIMR(R) technology. VASIMR(R) or, Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket, works with plasma to produce propulsion and has been designed to support an emerging in-space transportation market.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ad Astra and NASA will provide mutual engineering consultation in a range of areas, including assessment and engineering design for the 200kW VF-200 VASIMR(R) flight simulator and use of specialized NASA facilities for testing. This Support Agreement is the fourth in a series of agreements that fall under an “umbrella” agreement entered into by both parties in 2007.
Ad Astra Rocket Company was established in 2005. The latest agreement was signed by NASA-JSC Director of Engineering, Stephen Altemus and Ad Astra CEO Dr. Franklin R. Chang Diaz.
