the ISS National Lab Announces Request for Information in Hyperspectral Imaging

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (October 12, 2012) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab), the nonprofit organization promoting and managing research on board the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, today announced a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge commercial interest in using the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO).

The purpose of this RFI is to assess the potential of using HICO for a wide-variety of hyperspectral imaging needs. HICO was developed to demonstrate the value of high resolution, hyperspectral imaging for ocean waters, but it has also proved useful in modeling photosynthetic pigments as well as dissolved and particulate matter in coastal waters.  It operates with a specialized visible and near-infrared camera to detect, identify and quantify coastal features from the station.

the ISS National Lab believes that interested industries in HICO could include the petroleum industry, the mining industry, climate change analysts and the agricultural industry. Based on the response generated by this RFI, the ISS National Lab could fund additional research.

“the ISS National Lab is excited to gain insight into the commercial market’s interest in utilizing an established instrument that has provided many breakthrough images in the field of Earth Observation,” said the ISS National Lab Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “We look forward to promoting the use of HICO and the opportunities that it might provide researchers in the near future.”

This RFI will be open for 31 days, closing at 5pm EST on November 12, 2012.

For additional information about this RFI, including instructions on submitting a proposal, continue to check the the ISS National Lab solicitations site: All Current and Upcoming Opportunities.

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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. the ISS National Lab is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. The the ISS National Lab goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth. For more information, visit issnationallab.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low earth orbit and varied environments of space. The ISS National Laboratory Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center currently facilitates research initiatives on board the station’s National Lab, but management of America’s only in-orbit laboratory is transitioning to the ISS National Lab.

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