On Tuesday, the International Space Station National Laboratory announced up to $750,000 in funding for research projects that would take advantage of the unique space-based environment of the orbiting laboratory. The solicitation covers a wide range of research areas including chemical and material synthesis in space, translational medicine, in-space edge computing, and in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.
Proposed projects should aim to develop, test, and mature products and processes that have the potential for significant economic impact, either directly or indirectly. They should align with the ISS’ mission of benefiting life on Earth and establishing commercial activities in low Earth orbit. Hardware prototype testing, including areas such as semiconductors, robotics, remote sensing, and satellite technologies, is one of the highlighted categories for funding.
The ISS aims to improve processes for high-throughput investigations, spaceflight research, and the utilization of space-based data to model industrial systems through the distribution of these funds. Other target areas for research include developing new production methods, testing novel materials, utilizing materials with unique characteristics
