NASA Seeks Industry Feedback for Lunar Infrastructure Program

NASA 徵詢業界對月球基礎設施計畫的意見


Introduction

NASA has published a draft request for proposals to develop the essential technology needed for long-term operations on and around the Moon.

NASA 已發佈一份提案徵集草案,旨在開發在月球及其周邊進行長期運作所需的核心技術。

Main Body

The project, known as NextSTEP-3 Appendix A, aims to reduce overall risks by creating a partnership between NASA and U.S. companies. This strategy is designed to fix specific technical gaps that NASA has identified. Furthermore, if the agency can successfully integrate these commercial technologies, the new infrastructure will allow missions to be less dependent on Earth by using autonomous systems.

該項目稱為 NextSTEP-3 Appendix A,旨在透過 NASA 與美國公司建立合作夥伴關係來降低整體風險。此策略旨在解決 NASA 已識別的特定技術缺口。此外,若該機構能成功整合這些商業技術,新基礎設施將能透過使用自主系統,降低任務對地球的依賴。

The technical goals are divided into five main areas. First, NASA wants scalable power solutions and energy systems that can keep equipment running during the lunar night. Second, the agency is prioritizing the use of local resources, such as extracting water, oxygen, and fuel from the Moon's surface. Additionally, the program emphasizes advanced manufacturing in space to make missions more flexible. Finally, NASA requires high-performance materials that can survive the harsh environment of deep space. The goal is to test these solutions and develop prototypes to ensure they are ready for actual use.

技術目標分為五個主要領域。首先,NASA 需要可擴展的電源解決方案與能源系統,以確保設備在月球之夜能持續運行。其次,該機構優先考慮利用當地資源,例如從月球表面提取水、氧氣與燃料。此外,該計畫強調太空進階製造,以提高任務的靈活性。最後,NASA 要求能承受深太空嚴酷環境的高性能材料。目標是測試這些解決方案並開發原型,以確保其已準備好投入實際使用。

Conclusion

Organizations can provide their feedback on this draft via SAM.gov until July 17, 2026.

相關機構可在 2026 年 7 月 17 日前透過 SAM.gov 對此草案提供意見。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The "B2 Power-Up": Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

An A2 student says: "NASA wants to help companies make things for the Moon."

A B2 student says: "NASA aims to reduce risks by creating a partnership with U.S. companies to fix technical gaps."

What is the secret difference? It is not just the words; it is the Logic Connectors and Precise Verbs.

🔗 The Logic Bridge

In A2 English, we use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to organize your ideas using "Signposts." Look at how this text guides the reader:

  • Adding more information: Instead of just "also," the text uses Furthermore and Additionally. These words act like a signal, telling the reader: "I have one point, and now I am adding a second, more important point."
  • Ordering ideas: Instead of "Then," the text uses First, Second, and Finally. This creates a professional structure.

🎯 Verb Precision: Stop using "Do" and "Make"

B2 learners replace general verbs with Specific Action Verbs. Notice these replacements from the text:

A2 Verb (General)B2 Verb (Precise)Why it's better
Get waterExtracting waterDescribes the process of taking something out.
Make it workIntegrate technologiesDescribes combining different parts into one system.
Fix a problemReduce risksShows how much the problem is changing.
Check if it worksEnsure they are readyExpresses a guarantee of success.

💡 Pro-Tip for Growth

Next time you write a sentence, ask yourself: "Can I replace 'and' with 'Furthermore'? Can I replace 'make' with a more specific action?" This is the fastest way to bridge the gap to B2 fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

essential (adj.)
Absolutely necessary or extremely important.
Example:Fresh water is essential for the survival of any colony on the Moon.
integrate (v.)
To combine two or more things so that they work together effectively.
Example:The company needs to integrate new software into its existing system.
autonomous (adj.)
Capable of operating independently without direct human control.
Example:Autonomous vehicles use sensors to navigate without a driver.
scalable (adj.)
Able to be changed in size or scale to meet different needs.
Example:The business needs a scalable plan that can grow as the customer base increases.
extracting (v.)
The process of removing something from a place, often using force or special tools.
Example:Mining companies are extracting minerals from deep underground.
flexible (adj.)
Able to change or be changed easily according to the situation.
Example:Having a flexible schedule allows employees to work from home.
prototype (n.)
A first model of something from which other forms are developed.
Example:The engineers built a prototype of the new drone to test its flight stability.
Practice B2 words in a crossword