Last updated: 3/1/2023
Q: What is the goal of Access to Space?
A: The goal of Access to Space is to focus on fully leveraging the resources available on a host platform to advance lunar technology preferably on the way to the lunar surface, or at least on a development path in that direction. So, if used as intended, reasonably up-to-date knowledge of host platform residual resources and/or needs (for which customers or service providers are needed), timing deadlines, and a credible designated point of contact (POC) for further information are most desired.
Q: Is technology with a non-lunar focus able to be posted?
A: Missions, launch vehicles, payloads, and services intended for destinations other than the Moon are not allowed. However, if the submitter can demonstrate relevance for use or testing of the technology for or on the Moon, and they are looking for a lunar opportunity, that submission will be considered for posting. This would include sub-orbital, Earth-orbital, and cis-lunar hosts testing payloads intended for the Moon.
Q: Do all postings need to be funded by the U.S. government?
A: No. Submissions for listing may include U.S. government agency funded efforts, domestically funded efforts (academic, non-profit, commercial), domestic privately funded efforts, and efforts supported by countries, organizations, or private citizens of which their governments are Artemis accords signatories.
Q: Do all postings need to be funded?
A: No. But, a truthful account of the funding status should be clearly stated.
Q: Do we allow submissions of lunar mission concepts under development and searching for lunar payloads and services vendors to partner with?
A: Yes, but it needs to be clearly and forthrightly stated at what level the development is at. However, we do understand a listing such as this, and others even if funded, may need to withhold certain information that may be competitive in nature.
Q: Do we allow submissions of lunar payloads and services that are under development and searching for a host vendor for test/flight?
A: Yes, we allow lunar payloads or services to be posted that are still under development, but we require that their technology readiness level be realistically reported.
Q: Do all host vendors seeking to make a listing need to be a Commercial Landing Service Provider (CLPS)?
A: No, they do not. But, if they are not a CLPS provider, they may not claim to be either.
Q: What is a ‘data-only payload’?
A: A data-only payload is a computer program, or some other data driven methodology, that utilizes the host platform’s privately owned instruments for a test or investigation when the host deems it able to do so.
Q: Do we allow postings seeking/providing data-only payloads utilizing host instrumentation?
A: Yes.
Q: What is a ‘data-buy’?
A: Not all data collected will be readily available to the public. In many cases, the host platform is under no obligation to provide the data to the public. However, they may be willing to do so, or do so for a price if they are open to an inquiry.
Q: Do we allow postings seeking/providing data-buy requests/offers?
A: Yes.