NASA Offers Opportunities for Biological Research on Space Station

Oct. 2, 2012

Joshua Buck
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
jbuck@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 12-344

NASA OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON SPACE STATION

WASHINGTON -- NASA invites scientists from around the country to
submit proposals to perform biological research aboard the
International Space Station. The NASA Research Announcement (NRA),
"Research Opportunities in Space Biology," opened Sept. 30.

This NRA challenges scientists to propose experiments that could
provide answers to questions about how life adapts and responds to
microgravity. Selected investigators will have the opportunity to
take advantage of new cell, plant and animal research facilities
being developed for the space station. Proposals should demonstrate
benefits to astronauts living and working in the harsh environment of
space during long-duration missions. They also should improve
medicine and health care for humans on Earth.

The NRA also focuses on ground-based research designed to lead to new
space biology investigations aboard the orbiting laboratory. The
investigations should use microgravity and other characteristics of
the space environment effectively to enhance our understanding of
basic biological processes and develop the scientific and
technological foundations for a safe, productive human presence in
space for extended periods in preparation for exploration beyond low
Earth orbit. The investigations should apply this knowledge and
technology to improve the nation's competitiveness, education and
quality of life.

NASA's selection of research projects is guided by recommendations
from the National Research Council's 2011 Decadal Survey Report,
"Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical
Sciences Research for a New Era." The NASA-developed "Fundamental
Space Biology Science Plan" provides an implementation strategy and
roadmap based on available flight and fiscal resources.

To read the complete NRA, click on "Solicitations" at NASA's NSPIRES
website:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com

For information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station


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