IGF::CT::IGF THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE (STMD) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE CROSSCUTTING, PIONEERING, NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND CAPABILITIES NEEDED BY THE AGENCY TO ACHIEVE ITS CURRENT AND FUTURE MISSIONS. STMD RAPIDLY INNOVATES, DEVELOPS, DEMONSTRATES, AND INFUSES REVOLUTIONARY, HIGH-PAYOFF TECHNOLOGIES THROUGH TRANSPARENT, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE AEROSPACE ENTERPRISE. STMD EMPLOYS A MERIT-BASED COMPETITION MODEL WITH A PORTFOLIO APPROACH, SPANNING A RANGE OF DISCIPLINE AREAS AND TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVELS.