Ralph Steckler/Space Grant Space Colonization Research and Technology Development Opportunity Phase I

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Education, in cooperation with the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), invites proposals for the NASA Ralph Steckler/Space Grant Space Colonization Research and Technology Development Opportunity (hereafter “Steckler/Space Grant Opportunity”). Proposals may only be submitted from the lead institutions of the 52 consortia of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. Consortia may only submit two (2) proposals to this solicitation. Each funded proposal is expected to address innovative, meaningful, and enduring research and technology development activities, aligned to NASA research agenda that could enable space colonization or space settlement by providing a sustained human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone to future exploration of Mars. Primary exploration elements would include habitation, rovers, surface power, communications, and extra-vehicular activity (EVA) systems aligned to the current ESMD research and technology development agenda. The processes of innovation, research, and technology development frequently happen incrementally. The Steckler/Space Grant Opportunity, therefore, will be implemented through three funding and development phases. Phase I -- Feasibility: The purpose of Phase I is to establish the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of a proposed innovation, or research or technology development effort. Phase I efforts and results should provide a sound basis for the continued development and demonstration of the proposed innovation to space colonization. Only Phase I awardees are eligible to apply for Phase II. Consortia planning to prepare a proposal package for the Steckler/Space Grant Opportunity are requested to submit a non-binding Notice of Intent (NOI) to propose. The information provided in this notice will be used to assess research interests for the Steckler/Space Grant Opportunity and to determine the expertise required of reviewers. NOIs must be submitted by the NASA Space Grant Director through NSPIRES by January 16, 2009. Go to http://nspires.nasaprs.com and click on Solicitations. If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact the NSPIRES Help Desk at nspires-help@nasaprs.com or call 202-479-9376 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST.

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