News & Media
Learn more about the exciting research projects and scientific discoveries in the fields of Space Biology and Physical Sciences:
A material recently discovered and tested at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland could help astronauts pack lighter for future missions to the Moon. NASA is researching ways explorers could “live off the land” by harnessing lunar resources, including melting…
The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Research Initiation Awards (RIA) program aims to broaden the base of institutions involved in the SMD research and technology development ecosystem. The program has two principal objectives: RIA places eligibility requirements on both the…
Scientists Begin Analyzing Artemis II AVATAR Chips Organ chips from Artemis II’s AVATAR investigation have arrived at the laboratory at Emulate, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts for analysis. The AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response) investigation uses personalized organ chips made…
Principal Investigator: Overview: The ODYSSEY investigation examines how bacteria behave in microgravity. Researchers will study two bacterial species to see how spaceflight affects their growth, their ability to form biofilms, and their capacity to exchange genetic material. These experiments could aid in the success of future missions and inform innovative approaches to curb the spread of infections…
Principal Investigator(s): Overview: The Cold Atom Laboratory examines investigates quantum phenomena by cooling atoms to near absolute zero. Two hardware upgrades launched on NG-24 expand the laboratory’s capabilities on the International Space Station. The SM-3X module collects more atoms and provides greater flexibility for quantum…
Principal Investigator(s): Overview: This investigation uses roundworms to understand how microgravity changes the trillions of microbes living inside hosts and how those changes may affect health. Roundworms are ideal for this research because they share key genetic and biological similarities with humans. Science objectives: Potential Earth applications: …
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals for graduate student research relevant to SMD. On or about April 16, 2026 the following correction was made: the month of the pre-proposal webinar…
Principal Investigator(s): Overview: Veg-06 studies how plants and beneficial bacteria work together in microgravity. Some plants, like beans and peas, partner with specific bacteria to pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use…
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals from accredited U.S. universities and other eligible organizations for graduate student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to SMD’s science, technology, and exploration goals.…
