Paper Session I-B - Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)

The Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) is a FREE service designed to provide engineering assistance and speed the transfer of space technology to the private sector. By giving free technological assistance to small businesses, SATOP helps them solve their technical challenges and increase their chances of succeeding and growing. In addition, businesses and their communities are awakened to the other benefits of NASA and the US Space Program. The SATOP is a cooperative program between the states of Florida, New Mexico, New York, and Texas. Made up of an Alliance group of space industry companies, universities, colleges, and NASA centers (Johnson Space Center - Texas, Kennedy Space Center - Florida, and White Sands Test Facility - New Mexico), the SATOP finds professionals within these companies who volunteer their time and expertise in solving the challenges brought forth by the inquiring businesses. Small businesses can receive up to 40 hours of free technical assistance through the SATOP. Most solutions are provided in less than 90 days. SATOP has helped companies with machine design, process engineering, materials selection and many, many other technical issues. SATOP achieves its goals by “bringing Space Technologies down to Earth”