NASA Seeks Early Stage Innovations For Space Technologies From U.S. Universities – NOI Due June 21, 2012

NASA is seeking proposals from accredited U.S.universities focused on innovative, early-stage space technologies that will improve shielding from space radiation, spacecraft thermal management and optical systems.

Each of these technology areas requires dramatic improvements over existing capabilities for future science and human exploration missions. Early stage, or low technology readiness level (TRL) concepts, could mature into tools that solve the hard challenges facing future NASA missions. Researchers should propose unique, disruptive or transformational space technologies that address the specific topics described in this new solicitation.

“Both science and human deep space missions pose serious challenges that require new, innovative technological solutions,” said Space Technology Program Director Michael Gazarik at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Radiation, thermal management and optical systems were all identified in the National Research Council’s report on NASA Space Technology Roadmaps as priority research areas. This call seeks new ideas in these areas.”

Space radiation poses a known danger to the health of astronauts. NASA is seeking proposals in the area of active radiation shielding (such as “shields” of electromagnetic force fields surrounding a spacecraft to block incoming radiation) or new, multifunction materials that are superior to those that exist today are sought. NASA also is interested in new technologies for active monitoring and read-out of radiation levels astronauts receive during long space trips.

Current space technology for thermal management of fuels in space is limited. NASA is seeking early-stage technologies to improve ways spacecraft fuel tanks and in-space filling stations store cryogenic (very low temperature) propellants, such as hydrogen, over long periods of time and distances. NASA also is seeking novel, low-TRL heat rejection technologies which operate reliably and efficiently over a wide range of thermal conditions.

The next generation of lightweight mirrors and telescopes requires advanced optical systems. NASA is seeking advancement of early-stage active wavefront sensing and control system technologies that enable deployable, large aperture space-based observatories; technologies which enable cost-effective development of grazing-incidence optical systems; and novel techniques to focus and detect X-ray photons and other high-energy particles.

NASA expects to make approximately 10 awards this fall, based on the merit of proposals received. The awards will be made for one year, with an additional year of research possible. The typical annual award value is expected to be approximately $250,000. Second year funding will be contingent on the availability of appropriated funds and technical progress. Only accredited U.S. universities may submit proposals to this solicitation. Notices of intent are due by June 21, 2012, with proposals due July 12.

To view the Early Stage Innovation NASA Research Announcement and information for submitting proposals, visit: http://go.usa.gov/P31

The solicitation is a part of NASA’s Space Technology Program, managed by the Office of the Chief Technologist. For more information about the Space Technology Program and the crosscutting space technology areas of interest to NASA, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/oct

Grants for Community Organizations and Schools Serving Middle School Students – Deadlines June 8 and June 29, 2012

Boy Scout troupes, Girl Scout troupes, YMCA programs, science centers, museums, libraries, school clubs and other community or school based organizations should apply today for the 2012 Summer of Innovation grants!

The National Space Grant Foundation is working with the NASA Summer of Innovation office to administer the awarding of approximately 200 mini-grants to community and school based organizations that inspire and engage middle school students in STEM disciplines during the summer or in after school programs. NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden has identified improvement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning as a national need. To that end the Summer of Innovation Project was established.

We are very pleased to invite you to participate in this opportunity. Eligible organizations include but are not limited to Boy Scout troupes, Girl Scout troupes, YMCA programs, science centers, museums, libraries, school clubs and any other community or school based organizations. The target audience is middle school students and/or teachers of middle school students especially those involved with underrepresented and underserved populations.

This project is designed to support student interest in STEM by strengthening the capacity of organizations or schools that inspire and engage middle school students particularly female, minority, or high poverty students and enable these previously overlooked organizations to present Summer of Innovation content and themes in an efficient and cost effective manner.

The mini-grants will be awarded at about $2,000 – $2,500 per grant. The awarded organizations will be expected to present 6 hours of NASA STEM content to middle school students or deliver an educator workshop (for certified teachers, pre-service teachers, or informal education community) featuring NASA Summer of Innovation content or themes. This can be done through modification of an existing event or through planning a new event. Awards will be made in as geographically diverse manner as possible. The time line for these activities is to be during the summer or early fall of 2012.

Complete details and the application for these grants are located at http://soi.spacegrant.org/ There will be two rounds of awards made within the next two months. The first deadline for applications will be June 8, 2012; the second deadline is June 29, 2012.

ROSES-12 Amendment 6 Appendix C.21: In-Space Propulsion Technology Program: Astrodynamics Research Grants

The In-Space Propulsion Technology: Astrodynamics Research Grants (ISPT:ARG) Program is seeking astrodynamics research that falls into two categories: 1) Research or development of an astrodynamics algorithm or methodology suitable for infusion into one of ISPT’s existing tools (Mystic, MALTO, Copernicus, SNAP, and/or OTIS) and 2) Research or development applicable to the development of a new tool to meet the needs of future NASA planetary science missions.

Notices of Intent are due by June 11, 2012 and 7-page proposals are due by August 20, 2012. Tables 2 and 3 of the Summary of Solicitation for this NRA will be updated to reflect these changes.

On or about May 21, 2012, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement “Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2012″ (NNH12ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and will appear on the RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2012

2012 NASA Summer of Innovation Program

The 2012 NASA Summer of Innovation Program for middle school students and educators has begun!

NASA’s third annual Summer of Innovation (SOI) project is underway. The project is providing hands-on learning opportunities for middle school students and educators through NASA-unique science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational activities during the summer school break. SOI is a key component of the agency’s broader education program to increase student interest in STEM courses, particularly among those in underserved sectors of the academic community.

SOI uses NASA’s out-of-this-world missions and technology programs to boost interest in STEM among middle school students by offering interactive learning experiences. This year, a major portion of the SOI content focus will be on Curiosity, a NASA flagship science mission currently en route to Mars and scheduled to land Aug. 6.

“NASA always has been fortunate when it comes to offering interesting STEM education content; our missions are compelling and inspiring,” said Leland Melvin, associate administrator for NASA Office of Education. “Because Curiosity will reach the Red Planet during SOI 2012, it provides a timely and relevant context for teaching students about planetary science, engineering and technology. Students will get to see much of what they learned unfold as the rover makes its final rendezvous with Mars.”

SOI 2012 is multi-faceted and features a variety of engagement activities offered by NASA’s 10 centers located across the country. SOI 2012 also will continue several STEM summer programs developed by NASA’s national SOI partners during 2010 and 2011.

SOI includes a competitive “mini-grant” component to assist small education and outreach organizations in providing NASA-themed STEM content to middle school students or teachers through existing summer or afterschool programs. NASA plans to announce the mini-grants proposal process and due dates within the coming weeks.

A revamped SOI website will include new products and tools for students and educators to access virtually NASA’s educational offerings and resources. It will feature tools to download learning and activity plans and access to current SOI NASA center opportunities, highlights of the 2012 program and SOI contact information.

Another exciting new web feature is a collection of SOI virtual activity plans called “mini-camps.” These eight self-contained STEM learning modules offer one-day, two-day and weeklong programs in fields such as rocketry, aeronautics and robotics that easily can be tailored to a variety of audiences.

SOI debuted in 2010 as a three-year pilot program to respond to President Obama’s Educate to Innovate campaign. Since its inception, NASA has reached more than 45,000 students; had a presence in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico; and provided professional development opportunities for approximately 5,500 educators.

For more information about the SOI project, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/soi

For more information about NASA’s broader education program, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education

Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) Releases AO for International Research Participation on ISS Kibo Module

The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has released an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to fund experiments to be conducted aboard the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo, on the International Space Station in FY2014 or later. JAXA is recruiting proposals that “make full use of the Kibo’s unique environment that will have major impacts on science, technology, industry and society” according to the JAXA Press Release.

Prioritized research proposals for 3 or 5 years in the fields of Life Sciences, Space Medicine or Physical Sciences will be accepted by research teams led by a Principal Investigator who belongs to an organization in Japan. Research teams may include non-Japanese investigators, however, there will be no transfer of funds to non-Japanese organizations. Physical sciences research includes investigations in materials science, protein crystal growth, fluid physics, and combustion science.

Although NASA is encouraging U.S. investigators to participate on international research teams, NASA does not guarantee that funds will be available to successful U.S. Investigators.

The tentative acceptance period is April 10 (Tue), 2012 to June 8 (Fri), 2012.  The formal acceptance period is April 10 (Tue), 2012 to June 29 (Fri), 2012.

Applications must be postmarked on or before June 29, 2012. Application by email or hand delivery must arrive no later than 5:00 PM on June 29, 2012. For more information on the Kibo AO, please go to http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/experiment/news/120417_research_themes.html

For additional information concerning potential Life Sciences investigations, contact Dr. David Tomko (dtomko@nasa.gov)

For additional information concerning potential Physical Sciences investigations, contact Dr. Francis Chiaramonte (francis.p.chiaramonte@nasa.gov )

ROSES-12 Amendment 4: Final Text for Appendix B.8, Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements

This program solicits proposals designed to upgrade existing Heliophysics data products to improve the quality, utility, and accessibility of datasets relevant to Heliophysics research. Also solicited are proposals to continue existing data services, which would typically have a period of award no longer than two (2) years, featuring data from Heliophysics missions that have terminated or will soon terminate.

This amendment presents final text for Appendix B.8, Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements (HDEE), which replaces the previous text in its entirety. Please Note: a call for Value Added Services, similar to that in previous HDEE calls, and for Virtual Observatories will be issued later this year as a separate call.

The due dates for HDEE have not changed. Notices of intent are due May 11, 2012 and proposals are due on July 20, 2012.

On or about April 18, 2012, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement “Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2012″ (NNH12ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and will appear on the RSS feed

at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2012.

Questions concerning Appendix B.8, HDEE, may be addressed to D. Aaron Roberts, Heliophysics Division, Code 672, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771. Email: aaron.roberts@nasa.gov Telephone: (301) 286-5606.

ESA Call for a Small Mission of Opportunity in ESA’s Science Program for a launch in 2017

- Request due to NASA by May 15
- NASA response to PI by June 1
- Proposal due to ESA by June 15
- Submission of full proposal and cover letter to NASA by June 22

The Call for Proposals from the European Space Agency (ESA) for a Small Mission of Opportunity in ESA’s Science program for a launch in 2017 is an ESA program planning activity ( http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=50119). NASA is not participating in the solicitation, but ESA program decisions that ultimately flow from the Call may provide cooperative opportunities that could advance progress toward NASA science goals.

It is anticipated that some U.S. investigators may wish to participate in the flight programs that will result from the advanced studies being solicited by the Call. NASA does not intend to commit itself to support U.S. participation in the ESA Small Mission program in advance of the proposal submission date. However, NASA is interested in the Small Mission program and the possibility of supporting U.S. investigator participation in future flight projects.

Per the Call, U.S. investigators collaborating on proposals to be submitted to ESA may provide ESA with a supporting letter from NASA. NASA is prepared to provide proposing U.S. investigators with a letter of acknowledgement for proposals in alignment with established NASA strategic science objectives. Proposers desiring such a letter must submit to NASA a brief description of (1) the mission concept contemplated, (2) the relevance of its science objectives to established NASA science objectives, and (3) contemplated U.S. involvement in the mission to be proposed. This description may not exceed 1000 words (approximately two single-spaced pages with 12-point type) and must be submitted by email no later than May 15, 2012, to colleen.hartman@nasa.gov. Requests for letters of acknowledgement should come from the lead U.S. collaborator on the proposed mission. NASA will conduct an internal review of the proposed mission’s relevancy to NASA science objectives and, for those submissions in good alignment with these objectives, will provide a letter of acknowledgement in time for submission to ESA with the proposal. NASA will provide a response to the PI by June 1, 2012.

Subsequently, U.S. proposers must submit, via NSPIRES, one copy of the full proposal, as submitted to ESA, no later than June 22, 2012, along with a cover letter from the U.S. lead collaborator. Instructions for electronic submission of these two documents through NSPIRES will be provided to proposers who request a letter of acknowledgement.

NASA science objectives are based on National Research Council decadal surveys and are described in the SMD Science Plan for 2010 ( http://science.nasa.gov/about-us/science-strategy/).

Potential investigators should note that the current NASA plan entails future consultations with ESA and may change. The present notice does not intend to state or imply any commitment to fund any future activity. This information is provided as a snapshot of present thinking to support advanced planning for U.S. participation in the Cosmic Visions program within the broader context of ESA’s Call and acquisition approach.

Address for 2-page descriptions by email (no later than May 15, 2012): colleen.hartman@nasa.gov

Any questions on NASA’s policy regarding the ESA Call for Proposals may be addressed to Dr. Colleen N. Hartman, Assistant Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA. Telephone: (202) 358-2165; E-mail: colleen.hartman@nasa.gov

Announcement of Flight Opportunities #4 – Deadline May 11, 2012

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden has released a solicitation, entitled “NASA Announcement of Flight Opportunities (AFO) for Payloads Maturing Crosscutting Technologies that Advance Multiple Future Space Mission to Flight Readiness Status.” AFO #4 provides access to flights on suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicles (sRLV) and High Altitude Balloons.  Parabolic flights are full until at least late 2013, so proposals for parabolic aircraft flights will NOT be accepted at this time.  They may be included in a later solicitation.

Applications are due on or before 5:30 PM Eastern Time May 11, 2012 and selections will be announced in July 2012 (target).  The solicitation is available by opening the NASA Research Opportunities homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com , selecting “Solicitations,” then selecting “Open Solicitations,” and, selecting “NOCT110 Announcement of Flight Opportunities.”  To go directly to the solicitation page on NSPIRES click here.

NASA’s Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) seeks to mature towards flight readiness status crosscutting technologies that perform relevant environment testing and advance multiple future space missions.  To facilitate this goal, NASA is providing access to certain flight opportunities available to the Agency, on a no-exchange-of funds basis, to entities that have technology payloads meeting specified criteria.  They may be exposed to a near-zero or reduced gravity environment by flying on aircraft that provide parabolic flight trajectories and on sRLVs that are potentially capable of flying to altitudes above 100 km.  For flight tests that do not require microgravity, but do require the temperature, pressure and atmospheric conditions of high altitudes, balloon flights are available.   Refer to http://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/ platforms for specific information on vehicle and flight characteristics.

This call is open to all individuals and organizations, U.S. and non-U.S.  Such organizations may include educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), other Government agencies, and partnerships between such entities.

Science payloads will not be evaluated under this announcement.  Prospective responders with science payloads are encouraged to respond to open solicitations for science from the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Human Exploration and Operations Research Mission Directorate (HEOMD).

All applications must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR).  Potential applicants, and proposing organizations are urged to access the electronic proposal system well in advance of the application due date to familiarize themselves with its structure and to enter the requested information.  It may require several weeks for non-U.S.  organizations to obtain the registrations needed to submit a proposal.

Comments and questions may be sent via e-mail to peer-review-afo@nasaprs.com.  Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.