They'll speak to thousands of students and researchers.
The study is a precursor to a three-year manned trip to Mars.
NASA has awarded Alliant Techsystems, formerly based in Minnesota, a $50 million contract, the Star Tribune reports. The global aerospace and defense company will help develop a lithium-ion battery-powered electric thrust vector control system; a high-performance propellant; a lightweight composite rocket motor case; and an advanced nozzle for NASA's Space Launch System program.