NSF Allocates $3.6 Million for Innovative Space Research on ISS

NSF Grants Research Funding for ISS

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is continuing its support for innovative research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with a significant funding announcement. For the tenth year in a row, NSF has opened a new solicitation for proposals, dedicating up to $3.6 million for projects that explore a variety of crucial scientific questions. This funding aims to leverage the unique environment of the ISS National Laboratory to advance research in transport phenomena and fluid dynamics.

The research will cover a range of topics, including:

- Fluid dynamics
- Particulate and multiphase processes
- Thermal transport processes
- Combustion and fire systems
- Nanoscale interactions
- Manufacturing methods using these phenomena
- Resulting materials such as metallic alloys and ceramics

Microgravity presents distinct advantages for studying these physical processes, where the usual effects of gravity are minimized. This environment allows scientists to conduct experiments that would be impossible or impractical on Earth, enriching our understanding of essential scientific principles and informing future technological advancements.

One recent example of research funded by NSF highlights this potential. An investigation by Florida International University launched on Northrop Grumman's 21st Commercial Resupply Services mission to the ISS is focused on improving models of active colloids. By utilizing microgravity to manipulate these particle suspensions, researchers aim to unlock improvements in various applications, including biosensing devices, drug delivery systems, water desalination techniques, and innovative cancer therapies.

The collaboration between NSF and the ISS National Lab continues to emphasize the importance of practical applications of fundamental scientific research. The insights gained from these studies are expected to drive meaningful advancements in technology that can benefit society at large. This funding will allow selected projects to not only explore the mechanics that underlie complex phenomena but also translate their findings into real-world technologies.

Investigators interested in applying for this funding must first submit a Feasibility Review Form to assess the practicality of their proposed project aboard the ISS. The deadline for this initial submission is February 6, 2025. Only those declarations that pass this preliminary evaluation will be invited to submit complete proposals, which must be submitted by April 10, 2025.

For those wishing to delve deeper into the specifics of this solicitation (identified as NSF 25-529), detailed information, including submission guidelines, can be accessed through the ISS National Lab’s official solicitation webpage. Moreover, researchers can explore existing ISS research hardware and facilities that may be available for use in their projects from the ISS Research Facilities Directory.

The ISS National Lab, managed under a partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), is a pioneering platform for ground-breaking scientific research that has significant implications for life on Earth. By operating in the diverse and extreme environment of low Earth orbit, the ISS serves as a unique venue for scientific inquiry, enabling researchers from various fields to conduct experiments that explore the possibilities of life beyond our planet while simultaneously improving life on Earth.

The ISS National Lab has also published recent findings in Gravitational and Space Research, outlining how such collaborations with NSF enable pivotal research in transport phenomena. Interested parties can visit the ISS website for more information, collaborations, and available scientific opportunities.

As a nonprofit organization, CASIS remains committed to advancing scientific inquiry in space. Organizations and individuals looking to support these efforts can find more information on how to contribute through CASIS’s donation page.

This ongoing initiative from NSF not only exemplifies the U.S. government's dedication to boosting scientific research but also highlights the exciting prospects for innovation in the unique surroundings of the International Space Station.