International Space Station Cotton Sustainability Challenge Formally Opens
Sponsored by Target Corporation, the challenge seeks proposals to improve cotton sustainability through research conducted on the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory
Kennedy Space Center, FL (September 5, 2017) — The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) today formally opened a cotton sustainability challenge, sponsored by Target Corporation, where researchers and innovators will have the ability to propose solutions to improve crop production on Earth by sending their concepts to the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory. The challenge will leverage a broad range of disciplines to find breakthrough solutions that can be implemented affordably and benefit the cotton production community. The challenge is slated to run from September 5th through November 1st, 2017. Selected proposals will receive grant funding through Target Corporation and ultimately manifested for flight to the ISS National Lab.
Cotton is a natural plant fiber produced in many countries and one of the most important raw materials required for the production of textiles and clothing. Cotton cultivation requires sustainable access to natural resources like water that are increasingly threatened. This challenge seeks to engage the creative power of the research community to leverage the ISS National Lab to innovate and generate ideas that will improve the utilization of natural resources for sustainable cotton production.
Researchers are encouraged to submit concepts focused on, but not limited to: fluid dynamics, fluid flow, cotton or plant germination, different cultivars of cotton genetics, water uptake and gene expression. Data generated from the research experiments selected will be provided to the public, with the hope that the discoveries made can be leveraged by other researchers and product developers.
the ISS National Lab will host a series of free educational webinars this Fall to provide more information on this ISS research opportunity. The first webinar will be held on September 19, 2017 at 2PM ET. To register for an educational webinar and learn how to submit a proposal, please visit:
https://issnationallab.org/press-releases/casis-announces-cotton-sustainability-challenge/
To learn more about the on-orbit capabilities of the ISS National Lab, including past research initiatives and available facilities, visit www.spacestationresearch.com.
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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) is the non-profit organization selected to manage the ISS National Laboratory with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, the ISS National Lab promotes and brokers a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development, and education.
Since 2011, the ISS National Lab portfolio has included hundreds of novel research projects spanning multiple scientific disciplines, all with the intention of benefitting life on Earth. Working together with NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, the ISS National Lab aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation.
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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