1. NASA Invention Disclosure Guidance

​

NASA's invention disclosure guidance requires employees and funded partners to submit a New Technology Report (NTR) for all inventions, discoveries, and improvements, no matter how small. Disclosures must be submitted as soon as the invention is conceived, and before any public disclosure such as publication or presentation, to protect intellectual property. The disclosure should be submitted through the NASA e-NTR system and include a detailed description, inventor information, funding sources, and any supporting documents. 

​

What to disclose

• Anything new: This includes processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, software, and improvements to existing technologies.

• Even if incomplete: Disclosures are required even if the invention is just an idea, has not been prototyped or tested, or is not yet at a specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL). 

​​

When to disclose

• Immediately: Submit the disclosure as soon as the inventive concept can be fully described.

• Before public disclosure: Disclose before any publication, presentation, or other public announcement to comply with federal patent law requirements.

• Don't wait: It is not necessary to wait until the end of a project or until a decision is made about patentability. 

​​

What to include in the disclosure

• Detailed description: Provide a full and complete description of the invention, focusing on what makes it unique or novel.

• Inventor information: Include the name, title, work address, and contact information for all inventors.

• Supporting documents: Attach any relevant documents, such as manuscripts, figures, diagrams, white papers, or technical specifications.

• Funding information: List all funding sources, including the specific NASA grant number or contract if applicable.

• Public disclosure dates: Include the dates of any upcoming publications or public disclosures that will describe the invention.

• Commercial potential: Note other potential applications or industries that could benefit from the technology. 

​

Who should disclose

• Anyone performing research under a NASA funding agreement must report their technologies. 

 

2. New Principal Investigator Resources

​

Scientists and engineers who plan to propose to a NASA Research Opportunity or an announcement of opportunity for a flight mission or mission of opportunity from NASA Science should check out NASA’s New Principal Investigator Resources. The site provides prospective mission principal investigators with resources that may be useful as they develop their mission concepts, as well as information on developmental opportunities to prepare future mission leaders.

​

​

​

​