Paragon wins NASA contracts, named HALO partner

Tucson, Arizona-based Paragon Space Development Corp. has been awarded new work under NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Paragon's two awards, for a total of $1.5 million under this program, are to further develop two specific technologies: ISRU Collector of Ice in a Cold Lunar Environment (ICICLE) and Mechanical-compression Aerobot for extended Range Venus ExpLoration (MARVEL).

ICICLE is an In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) platform dedicated to advancing human spaceflight operations into deep space and establishing a long-term human presence on the moon and Mars. ICICLE is designed to support the generation of potable water by simultaneously collecting and purifying water vapor from lunar ice collected via a wide range of lunar ice mining techniques.

MARVEL, which will support NASA's efforts to conduct scientific exploration and understanding of Venus, consists of an autonomous robotic balloon vehicle capable of exercising trajectory and/or altitude control in the atmosphere of Venus. MARVEL accomplishes the goal of Venus exploration by combining advanced material configurations with innovative thermal control configurations for the payload, allowing it to withstand the harsh conditions natural to Venus.

"Paragon is excited to be awarded this work under the SBIR program, and we are confident that our experience, incredibly talented staff, and corporate commitment to the maturation of innovative and enabling technologies will help NASA move forward in the exploration and development of space," said Barry Finger, vice president of engineering for Paragon.

Paragon has also been named as part of the Northrop Grumman team for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) contract awarded by NASA. The HALO module will be roughly the size of a small apartment and able to accommodate short-duration stays for crews arriving at the Lunar Gateway aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Paragon is responsible for the design and implementation of the HALO Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which provides a comfortable, shirt-sleeve environment for the visiting crew members during their stay. This includes maintenance of the air and temperature as well as safe levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, humidity, and trace contaminants. "The HALO life support system is optimized to meet the specific mission requirements established by NASA and Northrop Grumman and it's going to do so efficiently, safely, and affordably," Finger said.

"The HALO program will provide the precursor to extended missions to Mars and should be inspiring to all Americans and the world community," said Grant Anderson, Paragon co-founder, president, and CEO.

Paragon has provided spacecraft life support systems, thermal control radiators, and next-generation cooling systems for global space, military, and commercial customers for more than 28 years.