NASA Licenses Thruster Tech: Desert Firm's Shot at Space Propulsion Stars
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Notice
Summary
NASA plans to give Desert Works Propulsion, LLC a special license to use some cool space tech patents about electric and multi-thruster propulsion. If anyone thinks this isn’t fair or wants to compete, they have until February 27, 2026, to speak up. This could open doors for new space innovations while protecting NASA’s inventions.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19160, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 16, 17, and 35
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying key contract rules in parts 16, 17, and 35 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change affects federal agencies and contractors, aiming to cut red tape and save taxpayer money. Comments on the proposed changes are open until October 19, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
2026-13245, Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
NASA is updating its rules for how it checks the environmental impact of its projects to make the process clearer and faster for everyone involved. This change affects NASA staff, project partners, and the public by providing new guidelines and updated lists of projects that don’t need detailed reviews. The new rules take effect on August 17, 2026, and NASA is asking for public comments by July 31, 2026.
2026-20271, Information Collection; Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 11 Requirements
The government agencies in charge of buying stuff (like DoD, NASA, and GSA) want to keep collecting info under a rule called FAR Part 11 for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by December 1, 2026, on how to make this info collection easier and more useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep government buying smooth and clear.
2026-20270, Information Collection; Presolicitation Notice and Response
The government wants to keep collecting info about presolicitation notices, which help agencies plan buying stuff. They’re asking the public to share thoughts on how useful this info is and how to make it easier to provide. This extension would last three more years, with comments due by December 1, 2026, but no new costs are expected.
2026-20127, Submission for OMB Review; Acquisition 360 Voluntary Survey
The government is asking for approval to keep using the Acquisition 360 Voluntary Survey, which lets companies give feedback on how the government handles contract talks and debriefings. This survey helps agencies improve how they work with vendors before awarding contracts. If you’re a business interested in government contracts, your input matters! Comments on this plan are open until November 2, 2026, and there’s no cost to participate.
2026-20128, Submission for OMB Review; Preaward Survey Forms (Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408)
The government is asking to keep using six preaward survey forms that help check if contractors can do the job before signing a contract. This affects contractors and contracting officers who need to prove financial strength, reliability, and ability to deliver on time. Comments on this request are open until November 2, 2026, with no new costs expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02806, Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Proposes To Modify the Definition of “Reverse Merger” Set Forth in Section 102.01F of the NYSE Listed Company Manual
The New York Stock Exchange is updating its rule to change how it defines a “Reverse Merger.” Now, companies that merge with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) during a de-SPAC transaction won’t be called reverse mergers anymore. This change affects companies listing on the NYSE and takes effect immediately, making the listing process clearer and smoother.
Next: 2026-02808, Sunshine Act Meetings
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission will hold a closed meeting on March 5, 2026, to discuss a specific mining safety case. This meeting affects the mining company involved and keeps sensitive details private, with no new costs or deadlines announced. You can listen in by phone, but the public can’t attend in person or online.