Bringing the benefits of space-based R&D home to Earth
Issue Date: August 19, 2013
Due Date: September 16, 2013
Award Announcement Date: October 14, 2013
The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) manages the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory (ISS NL), our nation’s only on-orbit lab. In this role, the ISS National Lab is responsible for inciting the imagination of not only researchers but also the public at large. We seek to change the nature of how U.S. citizens understand and participate in space-based research and development, maximizing use of this unparalleled research platform for innovation to benefit humankind. The newest the ISS National Lab initiative toward these goals is a contest for ideas: How would you use the ISS NL to bring the benefits of space-based research and development back home to Earth? Below, learn how you can become a part of the team to revolutionize our approach to space-based research!
 | General InformationThis contest solicits ideas from the public to innovatively use the ISS NL for scientific research and technology development that will improve life on Earth. This includes ideas that exploit the space environment both for advanced understanding of fundamental science and for commercial applications. |
 | Science in SpaceThe ISS NL provides a unique platform to perform research. It supports research in both the external and internal environments of the space station, with virtually uninterrupted worldwide data and communication capabilities. This environment provides a new paradigm for approaching scientific research, applications development, technology demonstration and industrial growth—research and development accomplishments that can be difficult or impossible to achieve on Earth. |
 | Submitting Your Ideathe ISS National Lab strives to provide an environment for collaboration between providers and users of space-enabled technologies through open innovation and collective brainstorming—fostering relationships with innovative sources of new ideas. This contest seeks to expand our collective brainstorming into the public sphere: any interested U.S. party may submit a brief white paper and an optional supplemental video describing an idea for use of ISS NL facilities for research or technology development to benefit life on Earth. Of note, research ideas seeking to advance space exploration or human spaceflight are not within the scope of this contest. Submitted papers and videos should describe potential Earth-based scientific benefits and commercial opportunities that could result from research in the proposed area and should include any additional criteria or ISS NL capability that would increase the potential for scientific advancement or development of a commercially viable product or application. General, broad concepts are welcome; specific hypotheses and aims need not be presented but may be suggested if appropriate.
|
 | Contest Rules and Awards InformationThe first place winner, whose submission receives the highest total score, will receive a prize of $10,000, a three-night expenses paid* trip to Florida to meet with the ISS National Lab officials, a one-day pass to Walt Disney World in Orlando, a special tour of NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, and a chance to witness a the ISS National Lab payload launch to the International Space Station… |
 | Additional InformationA broad range of science and technology disciplines can benefit from product development and research in space. |
Submit questions regarding the contest to [email protected]. the ISS National Lab requires respondents to provide final submissions by September 16, 2013 to ensure their consideration in this process. Please submit questions specific to this contest well in advance of the posted deadline to ensure a timely response.
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
Space Life Sciences Laboratory
505 Odyssey Way
Exploration Park, FL 32953
The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) is an IRC section 501(c)(3) entity responsible for management of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory (NL) under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA. the ISS National Lab seeks to advance utilization, scientific research and education in conjunction with the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, managing a diverse research and education portfolio across a broad range of scientific fields.
