COS professors win ISS research competition

Posted: December 18th, 2012 ˑ Filed under: Awards, Physics, Planetary Sciences

Professors and researchers from the UCF Physics and Planetary Sciences department are winners of the International Space Station (ISS) Research Competition. Dr. Josh Colwell, Dr. Adrianne Dove and Dr. Todd Bradley made up one of the eight winning teams with their proposal entitled, “Collisional Evolution of Particles and Aggregates in Microgravity”.

A team of 15 independent judges evaluated the proposals based on defined value in the commercial marketplace, potential for future benefits in space travel, and professional qualifications of the applicants. Four (4) winning proposals originated from the commercial field and four (4) in the area of education and research.

The winners will each receive research payload transportation to the ISS via an upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is currently slated for December 2013.

This year’s winners will have an opportunity to work closely with NanoRacks technical personnel as they formulate payload development timetables. NanoRacks will interface with CASIS (the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space) and NASA to conduct safety reviews as required for both launch vehicle payloads and the ISS.

The winners will be provided with payload box units known as “NanoLabs,” in which their research will be conducted on board the ISS U.S. National Lab. “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to be a part of this unique competition, one of many future, similar programs to promote ISS-based research,” said Frank DiBello, President of Space Florida.

“Space Florida has opened a new chapter in utilization of the International Space Station for industrial and commercial research and we are excited to assist in the implementation of these world-class projects,” said Jeffrey Manber, Managing Director of NanoRacks LLC.

About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s spaceport authority and aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed.