The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and
the National Science Foundation (NSF) today
announced a joint solicitation wherein researchers from the fluid
dynamics
community will have the ability to leverage resources onboard the
International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory. Up to $2
million will be awarded for multiple research investigations to support
flight projects to the ISS National Laboratory. This
is the second collaboration between the NSF and CASIS dedicated towards the funding of fluid dynamics
concepts onboard the space station to benefit life on Earth.
Through
this partnership, CASIS and NASA will facilitate hardware
implementation and on-orbit access to the ISS National Laboratory. NSF
will fund the selected projects to advance fundamental
science and engineering knowledge. CASIS is the nonprofit organization
responsible for managing and promoting research onboard the ISS National
Laboratory. NSF supports transformative research to help drive the U.S.
economy, enhance national security and maintain
America’s position as a global leader in innovation.
The
unique high-quality and long-duration microgravity environment on the
ISS National Laboratory has many benefits for the study of fluid
dynamics processes and phenomena. Many processes that
affect the behavior of fluids on Earth, such as thermal convection,
sedimentation, hydrostatic pressure, and buoyancy, are absent in
microgravity. The elimination of these variables allows phenomena of
interest to be studied without gravitational interference.
Through
this solicitation, CASIS and NSF seek proposals that will evaluate
phenomena such as, but not limited to, capillary flow, diffusion,
interfacial behavior, multiphase flow, separation,
and surface tension. Studies in fluid dynamics could have significant
applications for many industries, including consumer products,
electronics, manufacturing, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and oil
and gas. All proposals must demonstrate a tangible
benefit to improving life on Earth.
Prior
to submitting a full to proposal to NSF, all interested parties must
submit a Preliminary Feasibility Review form to CASIS, which will
determine the operational feasibility and economic
merit of the proposed project. CASIS will notify the proposer of a
passing or failing review score within 28 days of the Preliminary Feasibility Review form being submitted. The deadline to submit the Preliminary Feasibility Review form is January 24, 2018.
Only projects that pass the CASIS Preliminary Feasibility Review will
be invited to submit a full proposal to NSF. The notification of a
passing score must be included in the full proposal submission. NSF will
close this grant solicitation on March 5, 2018.
Information on the CASIS Preliminary Feasibility Review can be found at:
https://www.iss-casis.org/
To learn more about the on-orbit capabilities of the ISS, including past research initiatives and available facilities, visit: www.
To learn more about the funding opportunity, view https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/
via the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering and Environmental Transport (CBET) in the NSF Engineering Directorate.
About CASIS: The
Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) 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, CASIS
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 NASA, CASIS 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 microgravity setting, the vantage
point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.
About the National Science Foundation:
The
National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that
supports fundamental research and education across all fields of
science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2017,
its budget is $7.5 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through
grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions.
Each year, NSF receives more than 48,000 competitive proposals for
funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards.
