The US National Science Foundation is providing up to 3.6 million dollars in funding for research on the International Space Station, focusing on transport phenomena and fluid dynamics. This tenth consecutive year of funding will support multiple projects utilizing the space station’s microgravity environment to study areas such as fluid dynamics, particulate and multiphase processes, and thermal transport processes.
The ISS National Lab, managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, will facilitate hardware implementation and in-orbit access to the ISS. Researchers from institutions like Florida International University, with investigators such as those involved in a recent Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services mission, will benefit from this funding opportunity. Companies like NASA and CASIS are also involved in this partnership, which aims to advance fundamental and translational research to benefit humanity. Patrick O’Neill of the ISS National Lab is available for further information on this solicitation.
Introduction to Transport Phenomena Research on the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have announced a new solicitation for research proposals in transport phenomena, including fluid dynamics, particulate and multiphase processes, thermal transport processes, combustion and fire systems, nanoscale interactions, and manufacturing methods that utilize these phenomena. The NSF will provide up to $3.6 million in total funding for multiple projects to utilize the space station for fundamental research focused on these areas. This research aims to advance our understanding of the underlying physics in many transport processes, which are affected by gravity. In microgravity, the gravity-driven forces that impact fluid behavior are significantly reduced, making the sustained microgravity environment on the orbiting laboratory beneficial for several areas of study.
The ISS National Lab provides a unique platform for researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity, which can lead to breakthroughs in various fields, including biosensing, drug delivery, water desalination, and photothermal therapies for cancer treatment. For example, an NSF-funded investigation from Florida International University recently launched on Northrop Grumman’s 21st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission to the space station, leveraging microgravity to improve models of active colloids. The results of this research could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of complex systems and the development of new technologies.
The ISS National Lab is a public service enterprise that allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit (LEO). The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in LEO, and the extreme and varied conditions of space.
Research Opportunities on the International Space Station
The ISS National Lab offers a wide range of research opportunities for scientists and engineers from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The laboratory provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including the Microgravity Science Glovebox, the Fluids and Combustion Facility, and the Materials Science Research Rack. These facilities enable researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity, which can lead to new insights into the behavior of materials, fluids, and biological systems.
The ISS National Lab also provides opportunities for researchers to collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers, as well as with other international partners. This collaboration can lead to the development of new technologies and the advancement of our understanding of complex systems. For example, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) recently conducted an experiment on the ISS to study the behavior of fluids in microgravity, which could lead to the development of more efficient fuel injection systems for spacecraft.
Application Process for Research Proposals
To apply for research funding through the NSF solicitation, interested investigators must first submit an ISS National Lab Feasibility Review Form. The information provided in this form is used to evaluate the operational feasibility of the proposed research to be conducted onboard the space station. Only investigators whose proposed concept passes this Feasibility Review will be invited to submit a full proposal. The full proposal submission deadline is on April 10, 2025.
The ISS National Lab also provides resources and support for researchers to help them prepare their proposals and conduct their experiments on the ISS. For example, the laboratory offers a range of online tools and tutorials to help researchers design and plan their experiments, as well as access to experienced engineers and scientists who can provide guidance and support throughout the research process.
Benefits of Conducting Research on the International Space Station
Conducting research on the ISS offers a number of benefits for scientists and engineers. The microgravity environment on the ISS provides a unique platform for studying complex systems and phenomena that are difficult or impossible to replicate on Earth. The ISS also provides access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as opportunities for collaboration with NASA scientists and engineers and other international partners.
The results of research conducted on the ISS can have significant impacts on our understanding of the world and the development of new technologies. For example, research on the behavior of fluids in microgravity could lead to the development of more efficient fuel injection systems for spacecraft, while research on the growth of crystals in microgravity could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties.
Conclusion
The International Space Station National Laboratory and the U.S. National Science Foundation have announced a new solicitation for research proposals in transport phenomena, including fluid dynamics, particulate and multiphase processes, thermal transport processes, combustion and fire systems, nanoscale interactions, and manufacturing methods that utilize these phenomena. The ISS National Lab provides a unique platform for researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity, which can lead to breakthroughs in various fields. The application process for research proposals involves submitting an ISS National Lab Feasibility Review Form, followed by a full proposal submission. Conducting research on the ISS offers a number of benefits, including access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, opportunities for collaboration with NASA scientists and engineers, and the potential for significant impacts on our understanding of the world and the development of new technologies.
Future Directions for Transport Phenomena Research on the International Space Station
The future of transport phenomena research on the ISS is exciting and promising. The laboratory will continue to provide a unique platform for researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity, which can lead to breakthroughs in various fields. The ISS National Lab will also continue to collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers, as well as with other international partners, to advance our understanding of complex systems and the development of new technologies.
One area of future research that is particularly promising is the study of fluid dynamics in microgravity. Researchers are currently conducting experiments on the ISS to study the behavior of fluids in microgravity, which could lead to the development of more efficient fuel injection systems for spacecraft. Another area of future research is the study of nanoscale interactions in microgravity, which could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties.
The ISS National Lab will also continue to provide resources and support for researchers to help them prepare their proposals and conduct their experiments on the ISS. The laboratory will offer a range of online tools and tutorials to help researchers design and plan their experiments, as well as access to experienced engineers and scientists who can provide guidance and support throughout the research process.
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