NSF and ISS Lab allocate funding for space research projects

by Clarence Oxford

Commercial UAV Expo | Sept 2-4, 2025 | Las Vegas

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 07, 2025
For the tenth year running, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is soliciting proposals that utilize the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory for advanced research into transport phenomena. This initiative includes investigations into manufacturing methods that employ transport processes and the materials resulting from such techniques. NSF has committed up to $3.6 million in funding to support multiple projects focusing on:

- Fluid dynamics
- Particulate and multiphase processes
- Thermal transport processes
- Combustion and fire systems
- Nanoscale interactions
- Manufacturing techniques utilizing these transport phenomena
- Metallic materials, metal nanostructures, and ceramic materials

Microgravity presents unique opportunities for research by significantly reducing gravity-driven forces that affect fluid behavior. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the space station's unique conditions will enable critical research advances with the potential to benefit humanity.

An example of this research is a recently launched NSF-funded investigation from Florida International University on Northrop Grumman's 21st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission. This project uses the microgravity environment to refine models of active colloids-suspended particle systems within liquid or gel mediums. The results could enhance various technologies, including biosensing, drug delivery, water desalination, and photothermal cancer treatments.

"The ISS National Lab's commitment to fundamental science enables discoveries that provide value to the nation and guide the broader scientific community," said a representative of the ISS National Lab. NSF will provide funding for selected projects, while the ISS National Lab will ensure hardware implementation and on-orbit access.

Researchers must first submit an ISS National Lab Feasibility Review Form to assess the operational viability of their projects on the ISS. The deadline for the Feasibility Review Form submission is February 6, 2025. Only projects that pass this review can proceed to the full proposal stage, with a final submission deadline of April 10, 2025.

Further details, including the Feasibility Review Form and NSF solicitation (NSF 25-529), can be found on the ISS National Lab and NSF solicitation webpages. Information about existing research facilities available for this solicitation is provided in the ISS Research Facilities Directory.

A recent publication in Gravitational and Space Research highlights the partnership's success in advancing transport phenomena research. For more about NSF and ISS National Lab collaborations, visit the ISS National Lab website.

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