The ISS National Lab Re-Issues Request for Proposals: Remote Sensing From the International Space Station

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (January 13, 2014)  The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab), the nonprofit organization managing research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, today re-issued a solicitation for proposals in the field of remote sensing.

This solicitation seeks proposals focused on terrestrial benefit via Earth observations, atmospheric science, planetary science or remote sensing of space. the ISS National Lab aims to both increase utilization of existing ISS hardware and to promote use of the station as a testbed for developing and improving new instrumentation.

The National Lab provides a premier vantage point from which to conduct studies of Earth. Its specific location in low Earth orbit make this platform advantageous; it covers 90% of Earth’s population, and imagery captured from station has improved spatial resolution and variable lighting when compared with many traditional Earth observation platforms. The introduction of this improved platform has great implications for the field of remote sensing.

Remote sensing is a diverse and profitable field with top segments grossing into the billions. Major segments include weather forecasting, right-of-way investigations, intelligence gathering, public health and agriculture. Industry experts indicate that the space station is well suited for use in right-of-way inspections, urban planning and forestry remote sensing applications; but it is not limited to these categories. Through access to the National Lab, the ISS National Lab provides a unique and affordable opportunity to advance the field of remote sensing and address unmet needs in many segments.

“This solicitation will take advantage of the unique vantage point from the ISS to observe and investigate our planet,” said the ISS National Lab Director of Portfolio Management, Warren Bates. “It will also provide researchers yet another opportunity to access our nation’s only orbiting laboratory while further diversifying the ISS National Lab’s portfolio of research capable of enhancing life on Earth.”

On November 18, 2013 the ISS National Lab suspended its original RFP on remote sensing.

For additional information about this RFP, including instructions and information regarding remote sensing research, the ISS National Lab and the ISS please visit:

Remote Sensing from the International Space Station

Letters of Intent must be submitted electronically by 5pm EST on February 21, 2014 via the the ISS National Lab solicitations website page.

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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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