The ISS National Lab Issues Solicitation for Proposals Focused On Earth Observation to Benefit Energy Technology From the International Space Station
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (October 14, 2014) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) today issued a solicitation for flight proposals seeking access to remote sensing capabilities on the International Space Station (ISS) for Earth-based energy applications. the ISS National Lab is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks applications directed towards utilization of the ISS National Lab by commercial and academic investigators for Earth observation research projects in the field of energy. Proposals should seek to use the ISS National Lab as an Earth observation platform for studies with the goal of identifying or improving terrestrial applications for energy capture, storage, and/or sustainability.
Examples of studies include (but are not limited to) identifying, siting, or monitoring solar parks, wind parks, and water resources. There is also the potential for biomass energy applications and sensing technology related to the oil, gas, and coal industries. Proposals may seek to use both internal and external ISS hardware platforms.
“Today’s announcement is an important step in promoting the station as an environment capable of enhancing energy-related R&D for Earth benefit,” said the ISS National Lab Director of Portfolio Management Warren Bates. “This solicitation will continue our progress in supporting use of the station by new sectors that previously may not have understood the full-ranging capabilities of our Nation’s orbiting laboratory.”
Step-1 Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5pm EST on November 24, 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 ISS National Lab. Invited Step-2 Proposals will be due February 10, 2015.
For additional information about this RFP, including instructions and information regarding energy development, the ISS National Lab, and the ISS please visit:
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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 NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration 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. 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 microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles., and varied environments of space.
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