the ISS National Lab Issues Solicitation for Proposals Focused on Materials Science Onboard the International Space Station
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (April 28, 2014) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) today issued a solicitation for proposals for materials science onboard the International Space Station (ISS). 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 flight research investigations that develop new or improve existing materials that will have direct terrestrial benefit. the ISS National Lab is targeting proposals for materials science in the areas of microstructure study, crystallization, and other phase transitions. Both internal and external hardware platforms are available for use to further understand the synthesis and properties of new and existing materials.
Examples of materials that may be utilized for testing include (but are not limited to): alloys, biomaterials, ceramics, composites, glasses, granular materials, metals, nanomaterials, organics, polymers, and semiconductors.
“Through this solicitation, the ISS National Lab hopes to identify new and novel materials science opportunities for relevant research initiatives,” said the ISS National Lab Director of Portfolio Management Warren Bates. “the ISS National Lab has classified materials science as a research priority capable of commercially relevant discoveries, and through this RFP we hope to capitalize on the unique environment of the ISS to enable potential scientific breakthroughs that will improve our way of life on Earth.”
In 2013, the ISS National Lab awarded two flight projects from its first materials science RFP focused on utilizing the NanoRacks External Platform(Abbreviation: NREP) A platform that on the exterior of the ISS that provides power and a data connection and enables payloads to operate in the harsh space environment. This ISS National Lab commercial facility is owned and operated by Nanoracks. on the ISS, which allows exposure to the extreme conditions of space for development and testing of new materials, components, and systems. This RFP is broader in scope, seeking projects not only for this external platform but also submissions proposing to use internal hardware to exploit the 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. environment for materials science.
For additional information about this RFP, including instructions and information regarding materials science, the ISS National Lab, and the ISS please visit: Materials Science in Space
Step-1 Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5pm EDT on May 30, 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 August 12, 2014.
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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 microgravity 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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