“Unlocking Innovation: ISS National Lab Offers $650K Grant for Groundbreaking Tech in Low Earth Orbit”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), January 7, 2025 – The International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory is calling for flight proposals for technological progress that makes use of the space-based environment of the orbital facility. This call, “Technology Advancement and Applied Research Leveraging the ISS National Lab,” welcomes a diverse array of technological domains, encompassing chemical and material creation in space, translational medicine, edge computing in space, as well as in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. It also includes the utilization of space station remote sensing data to enhance geospatial analytics for commercial purposes.

Developing and demonstrating technology based in space is a critical priority for the ISS National Lab, as it creates an opportunity for expedited technology maturation that could facilitate breakthroughs to better humanity’s existence and foster commerce in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit surrounding Earth that reaches altitudes up to 2,000 km (1,200 miles) above Earth’s surface. The orbit of the International Space Station is located in LEO, approximately 250 miles above the Earth. (LEO).

Through this research announcement, participants may suggest leveraging the distinctive environment of the orbiting structure to innovate, test, or advance products and processes with verified prospects to generate immediate beneficial direct or indirect economic effects. Concepts selected from this research proposal may receive funding to enable mission integration and operational assistance for initiatives to be conducted on the space station.

Focus areas for this call include, but are not limited to:

• Testing of hardware prototypes: Innovations targeting gaps in hardware product development and the spread of emerging technologies in electronics; semiconductors; nanotechnologies; robotics; sensors; as well as communications, remote sensing, computing, and satellite technologies.
• Improvements in processes: Utilizing the space station as a testing ground to enhance the development of facilities for high-throughput investigations or to demonstrate novel methodologies for spaceflight R&D, along with employing space-based data for facilitating industrial systems modeling.
• Advanced materials: Ongoing research on advanced materials that focus on creating next-generation production techniques, evaluating innovative materials, and leveraging materials with exceptional properties.
• Translational medicine: Verification of expedited disease modeling, assessing macromolecular configurations for drug development, and demonstrating innovative drug delivery and diagnostic solutions.

For instance, during SpaceX’s latest Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration to the space station, Kall Morris Inc. launched a project financed through a previous ISS National Lab technology development solicitation. This project is evaluating the REACCH capture system aimed at debris removal in space, employing the Astrobees, autonomous flying robots stationed on the ISS, thereby bringing the capture system closer to being market-ready. This system could mitigate risks to existing space infrastructures while freeing up orbital positions for future infrastructure development.

This research announcement will utilize a two-step proposal submission method. Prior to being invited to propose a complete submission, interested parties must submit a Step 1: Concept Summary for evaluation. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, which manages the ISS National Lab, will conduct a webinar on Thursday, January 23, at 1 p.m. EST to expound on space station facilities and capabilities in relation to this research announcement. Be sure to register ahead at the provided link.

Submissions for Step 1: Concept Summaries must be received by the end of the day on March 3, 2025. Those invited to submit Step 2: Full Proposals will have their submissions due by the end of May 19, 2025. A number of projects are anticipated to be funded through this research announcement, with a total funding amount of up to $650,000 available.

For further details regarding this opportunity, including guidelines on submitting a Step 1: Concept Summary, please check the research announcement webpage. To discover more about the ISS National Lab and the scientific endeavors it supports, please visit our website.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: NASA Astronaut Suni Williams

Media Contact:
Patrick O’Neill
904-806-0035
[email protected]

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About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) operates as a unique laboratory that enables scientific research and technology development that is unattainable on Earth. Operating as a public service entity, the ISS National Laboratory® empowers researchers to capitalize on this multiuser facility to enhance life quality on Earth, evolve space-based business frameworks, promote scientific literacy within future workforces, and cultivate a sustainable and scalable market within low Earth orbit. Research resources aboard the ISS are made accessible via this orbiting national laboratory to support non-NASA scientific, technological, and educational efforts from U.S. governmental agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™(Abbreviation: CASIS™) The nonprofit organization managing the ISS National Lab receiving at least 50 percent of the U.S. research allocation on the International Space Station to facilitate research benefiting humanity (NASA oversees the remaining 50% focused on research for space exploration).) governs the ISS National Lab, operating under a Cooperative AgreementA cooperative agreement signifies Federal assistance that establishes a relationship between the U.S. Government and a recipient where the main intent is to achieve a public purpose of support or stimulation. Since 2011, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) has overseen the National Laboratory® through a Cooperative Agreement with NASA., facilitating access to its permanent microgravityThe perceived weightlessness experienced when an object is in free fall, for instance, during orbital motion. Microgravity influences many observable phenomena in physical and life sciences, allowing researchers to explore aspects that cannot be examined on Earth. The International Space Station facilitates access to a continual microgravity environment. research setting, a valuable perspective within low Earth orbit, along with the extreme and diverse conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, check our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, CASIS welcomes donations from corporations and individuals to promote scientific advancements in space for the greater good. For more information, check our donations webpage.