ISS National Lab opens call for technology development research proposals

ISS National Lab opens call for technology development research proposals
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2024
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has announced a new opportunity for researchers and technologists: a solicitation for flight concepts aimed at leveraging the unique space-based environment of the orbiting laboratory for technology development. Titled "Technology Development and Applied Research Leveraging the ISS National Lab," this call is open to a wide array of technology areas.

Key areas of interest include chemical and material synthesis in space, translational medicine, in-space edge computing, and ISAM (in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing). Additionally, the solicitation encompasses the application of space station remote sensing data to enhance geospatial analytics for commercial purposes.

The strategic priority for the ISS National Lab in space-based technology development and demonstration lies in its potential for accelerated technology maturation. This environment may enable significant advancements to improve life on Earth or build commerce in low Earth orbit (LEO). The research announcement invites respondents to propose using the ISS's unique environment to develop, test, or mature products and processes with the potential for near-term, positive economic impact, both direct and indirect.

Emphasis in proposal evaluation will be on testing and space-qualification of hardware prototypes and on advancing process improvements. This includes innovations in electronics, semiconductors, nanotechnologies, robotics, sensors, and communications. Additionally, it covers remote sensing, computer, and satellite technology. The use of the space station as a test bed to advance high-throughput investigation facilities and new methodologies for spaceflight research and development is also a focus, alongside the application of space-based data in industrial systems modeling.

The research into advanced materials is significant, addressing the development of next-generation production methods and testing of novel materials that exploit unique properties. In translational medicine, the emphasis is on validating accelerated disease modeling, analyzing macromolecular structures for drug design, and demonstrating novel drug delivery and diagnostic services.

An illustrative example of a recent technology development investigation sponsored by the ISS National Lab is the updated Spaceborne Computer-2 from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. This state-of-the-art commercial off-the-shelf supercomputer, set for launch on Northrop Grumman's 20th Commercial Resupply Services mission, is designed to withstand harsh space conditions and aims to transform the trajectory of high-performance computing in space.

The proposal submission process for this research announcement is two-fold. Initially, interested investigators must submit a Step 1: Concept Summary for review. To assist with this, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, the manager of the ISS National Lab, will host a webinar on January 18 at 1 p.m. EST. This event will discuss the space station facilities and capabilities relevant to this research announcement.

The deadline for submitting Step 1: Concept Summaries is March 4, 2024, with Step 2: Full Proposals from those invited to submit due by May 7, 2024.

Selected flight concepts through this research announcement may receive funding to enable mission integration and operations support for projects to be implemented on the space station. This opportunity highlights the ISS National Lab's ongoing commitment to fostering advanced research in space, bridging the gap between scientific exploration and practical applications that benefit life both in space and on Earth.