Program Description
As activities in space, particularly outer space, increase, the DAF must look for new innovations that go beyond today’s technology. The vision of this program is to harness the power of biology through discovery research in life sciences that will lead to innovative and disruptive solutions and prevent technical surprise for the Department of the Air Force (DAF) interests in the space domain. Life science, the study of living things and life processes to include micro- to macro-organisms, will provide a greater understanding of the space environment as well as lead to advancing technology in both space and terrestrial environments.The study of living organisms and associated processes and materials is complex particularly in the vast space environment which changes drastically with geodetic height. The influence of the earth’s magnetic fields, cosmic rays, the sun’s radiation, microgravity, extreme temperature fluctuations, low pressure, and space weather is not well understood in its effects on living systems or biomaterials including bacteria, viruses, plants, and animal systems. Understanding how these living systems are affected in transitioning from a terrestrial environment to a space environment can provide great insight for more resilient and robust future space technology. Can living systems that are able to survive and adapt in this harsh environment lead to space technology unimaginable today?
Basic Research Objectives can be found in this program’s section of the BAA.Researchers are highly encouraged to contact the Program Officer prior to developing a full proposal to briefly discuss the current state-of-the-art and what is truly new or innovative about the proposed new work, the approximate cost for one (1) to three (3) year effort, and if there are any specific submission target dates.
SolicitationBAA
Contact InformationDr. Jennifer TalleyAFOSR/RTB2E-mail:afrl.afosr.spacebiology@us.af.mil