BP America has entered a Space Act Agreement with Nasa to enhance technological advancements in both energy production and space exploration.
Under the collaboration, bp and Nasa will leverage digital technologies and decades of technical expertise from operating in extreme environments.
The Space Act Agreement, under the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, allows the two entities to share digital models, simulations and technical know-how.
This collaboration aims to improve the visualisation of equipment in challenging locations, whether deep underwater or distant planets.
BP anticipates that this agreement will advance both energy production on Earth and human space exploration of the Moon and Mars.
The initial phase of the agreement will focus on developing standards and enhancing the capabilities of visualisation and simulation models.
As the partnership progresses, the exchange of knowledge in remote operating practices, including safety and communications, will be explored.
This could extend to process control, integrity management, and the incorporation of predictive analytics and AI.
Future collaborations between bp and Nasa may delve into hydrogen, regenerative fuel cells, high-capacity batteries, solar power systems, small fission systems, and advanced power management and distribution.
This agreement builds on a historical relationship, with bp offshore workers training at Nasa's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and Nasa's use of bp's Castrol lubricants for more than six decades.
BP principal technical programme manager Ken Nguyen said: “bp has built a proud legacy of technological innovation as we deliver the energy the world needs today while investing in the energy system of tomorrow.
“As Nasa pursues a sustained presence on the Moon and Mars, we see a unique opportunity for bp and Nasa to work collaboratively on the forefront of digital technology that will cultivate further innovation in energy and space.”
Earlier this month, bp reached an agreement with the Government of Iraq to negotiate a redevelopment programme for the historic Kirkuk oilfield.
