Nine research projects that promise to advance science and develop technology critical for future space missions have been selected to receive a total of $400,000 from the Florida Space Institute.<\/p>\n
Scientists from the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ and the University of Florida are involved in the various projects, which involve experts in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, planetary science, computer science, and nanotechnology.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs NASA focuses more on its research and technology mission we need to continue to support the science that will propel space innovation,\u201d said M.J. Soileau, the vice president for research & commercialization at Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½.<\/p>\n
The money was made available through the Space Research Initiative (SRI), a collaborative program between Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ and UF started to support joint efforts between the two universities in space-related research.<\/p>\n
The winning proposals are expected to draw additional funding from NASA, industry, and other federal and state agencies, said S. Alan Stern, who is serving as director of the Florida Space Institute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe proposals were selected to broaden Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ and UF\u2019s future space research portfolios and keep Florida at the forefront of space exploration,\u201d Stern said.<\/p>\n
Individual awards range from $9,500 up to $100,000. Funding will begin in July. And this is just the beginning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe expect to be looking for more cutting-edge research proposals later this year,\u201d Stern said pleased at the quality of the 41 proposals submitted during this grant period.<\/p>\n
The selected projects are:<\/p>\n