NASA Invests in Research to Secure the Future of Space and Lunar Operations

NASA Invests in Research to Secure the Future of Space and Lunar Operations
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 20, 2024

NASA's Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy (OTPS) has launched a significant funding initiative aimed at advancing the sustainability of activities in Earth's orbit and on the lunar surface. This new effort seeks to address the critical social, economic, and policy dimensions essential for fostering sustainable practices in space exploration and utilization.

With up to $300,000 allocated for projects focused on orbital sustainability and $200,000 dedicated to lunar surface sustainability, OTPS is targeting a broad spectrum of research proposals. The agency aims to support between one to three projects in each category, underscoring its commitment to tackling the complex challenges of space sustainability.

The Orbital Space Sustainability call for proposals underscores the necessity for in-depth research into the existing policy, regulatory, and legal frameworks. The focus is on identifying gaps that hinder the sustainability of operations across various orbital regimes such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Cislunar space, and lunar orbit. Researchers are encouraged to propose specific measures to bridge these gaps, taking into consideration the space environment of the 2040s, the impact of technological advancements, and the effectiveness of policy tools in mitigating space debris risks.

In contrast, the Lunar Surface Sustainability research initiative is designed to confront the challenges associated with preserving the moon's environment amidst ongoing and future lunar operations. This includes the protection of scientifically and historically significant sites, such as the Permanently Shadowed Regions and Apollo landing sites.

Proposals are expected to focus on developing policies and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable human and robotic missions on the lunar surface, ensuring that these endeavors do not compromise the moon's environment or the potential for future missions.

Interested researchers are required to submit their proposals under one of the ROSES call numbers (F.21 or F.17) by May 17, 2024. This flexibility allows for distinct proposals across the two focus areas, with NASA directing any duplicate submissions to the most appropriate category.

This funding initiative highlights NASA's dedication to leading the way in sustainable space exploration and utilization. By addressing both immediate and long-term challenges, OTPS aims to cultivate a space environment that remains a resource for all humanity. Through informed policy-making and strategic international cooperation, NASA is paving the way for future generations to explore and utilize space responsibly.