- ISS National Lab offering up to $750,000 in funding for technology development in Low Earth Orbit
- Soliciting flight concepts for technology development leveraging the space-based environment of the ISS
- Open to various technology areas such as chemical synthesis, translational medicine, and in-space edge computing
- Strategic priority for ISS National Lab to accelerate technology maturation and enable advancements to benefit life on Earth
- Two-step proposal submission process with emphasis on developing projects with positive economic impact
Technology Development Funding: ISS National Lab Initiative
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has recently announced an exciting opportunity for technology development in low Earth orbit. With up to $750,000 in funding available, this initiative aims to leverage the unique environment of the ISS for innovative projects that could have a significant impact on both space exploration and life on Earth.
Opportunities for Innovation in Low Earth Orbit
The solicitation, titled “Technology Development and Applied Research Leveraging the ISS National Lab,” is open to a diverse range of technology areas. These include chemical and material synthesis in space, translational medicine, in-space edge computing, and ISAM (in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing). Additionally, the application of space station remote sensing data for improving geospatial analytics for commercial use is also encouraged.
The ISS National Lab views space-based technology development and demonstration as a strategic priority. By providing an accelerated environment for technology maturation, the ISS offers a unique platform for advancing innovations that could benefit life on Earth and foster commercial activities in low Earth orbit.
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Application Process and Timeline
Interested parties are invited to submit their flight concepts for review through a two-step proposal submission process. The first step involves submitting a Concept Summary by the deadline of July 12, 2024. Following the review of these summaries, selected respondents will be invited to submit full proposals by October 2, 2024.
During this process, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, the manager of the ISS National Lab, will host a webinar on May 22, 2024, to provide insights into the space station facilities and capabilities related to this research announcement. Multiple projects are expected to receive funding through this initiative, with a total of $750,000 available for allocation.
Examples of Innovative Projects
One example highlighted in the announcement is a project from the University of Southern California, which focused on technology advancement in a previous ISS National Lab Research Announcement. The project involved testing a system called CLINGERS, designed for autonomously docking and undocking CubeSats on the space station. This system combined a mechanical docking system with rendezvous sensors, enabling docking with both active and passive objects. Such technologies play a crucial role in developing an in-orbit construction ecosystem.
These examples showcase the potential for groundbreaking advancements that can be achieved through the utilization of the ISS as a testing ground for novel technologies. The opportunities presented by the ISS National Lab funding initiative hold promise for driving innovation and progress in various fields of science and technology.
About the ISS National Lab
The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a unique laboratory for conducting research and technology development that is not feasible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory enables researchers to leverage this facility to enhance the quality of life on Earth, advance space-based business models, promote science literacy, and expand the market in low Earth orbit.
Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA, the ISS National Lab facilitates access to the microgravity research environment of the ISS for researchers from various sectors. By providing a platform for non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives, the ISS National Lab contributes to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in space exploration.
The Technology Development Funding initiative announced by the ISS National Lab presents a remarkable opportunity for researchers, innovators, and technology developers to explore new frontiers in space technology. By leveraging the resources and capabilities of the ISS, these projects have the potential to drive significant advancements in science, engineering, and commercial applications both in space and on Earth.
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