Week in Review (3/2/14 – 3/8/14)

the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab Issues Request for Information Pertaining to Materials Science Experimentation on ISS

On the heels of recent release of the RFP pertaining to enabling technology onboard the ISS, the ISS National Lab has recently issued an RFI to identify equipment for materials science experimentation on the ISS. The the ISS National Lab Science and Technology Advisory Panel have prioritized the materials science research area because of the many potential earth applications. Through this RFI, the ISS National Lab hopes to ascertain available resources such as flight hardware, support equipment, and expertise that would support and enable space-based materials science research for Earth benefit. Learn more: http://bit.ly/P4V8bX

“Enabling Technology” RFP Online

the ISS National Lab has released its second RFP for FY2014 entitled “Enabling Technologies Onboard the International Space Station.” This formal solicitation seeks proposals that will develop tools and/or techniques that will enable improved and expanded use of the ISS U.S. National Lab. This solicitation focuses on enabling technologies on station in the following areas:

1) Scientific instruments and data collection;

2) Materials, structures, and manufacturing;

3) Operational procedures that advance the capacity of the ISS U.S. National Laboratory as a research and technology development platform to benefit life on Earth.

For additional information about this RFP, including instructions and information regarding enabling technologies, the ISS National Lab, and the ISS please visit:
https://issnationallab.org/Opportunities/Solicitations/RFPEnablingTechnology.aspx

Step-1 Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5pm EDT on April 10, 2014 via the the ISS National Lab solicitations website page. In order to submit a final Step-2 Proposal, a Step-1 Proposal must be filed and approved by the the ISS National Lab research pathway department. Invited Step-2 Proposals will be due June 27, 2014.

Would Your Cell Phone work in Space?

March is National Women’s History month. the ISS National Lab and NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration Digital Learning Network teamed up to highlight one of the amazing women in STEM. NASA DLN’s live chat featured, the ISS National Lab PI, Dr. Kathleen Morse. Dr. Morse, a materials scientist and engineer, answered the intriguing question “would your cell phone work in space?” Students and STEM enthusiasts across the country tuned into the live chat and submitted questions via email and Twitter. Awty International School in Houston, one of the schools that participated in the ISS National Lab’ inaugural National Design Challenge competition participated in the live chat as well and discussed their involvement with the ISS National Lab and the competition.

The live chat was very engaging as the ISS National Lab, NASA DLN and Kennedy Space Center collaborated to produce another great STEM event.

ISS News and Updates