3 Things You Should Know About Small Business: September 18

Written by: Laurie Kulikowski 09/18/12 - 12:27 PM EDT

The programs are designed to foster the government's R&D efforts with more high-tech small business opportunities. NASA program results, administered through the Small Business Administration, have benefited many space efforts, ranging from modern air traffic control systems to Earth-observing spacecraft, the International Space Station, and the Curiosity craft now roving the Red Planet, the agency says.

"Space technology is the linchpin that joins together NASA's science, aeronautic and exploration goals, providing the essential new knowledge and capabilities that enables our present and future missions," said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program. "The annual solicitation for the SBIR and STTR programs embodies our desire to generate innovative ideas to address NASA's future mission needs by offering a broad collection of research and development needs and opportunities."

-- Written by Laurie Kulikowski in New York.