NASA has selected 30 researchers to receive grants totaling more than $13 million over four years. The grants are for fluid physics research that emphasizes ground-based experimental and theoretical studies that lead to new space flight investigations. This research will aid in expanding the understanding of fluid behavior and provide a scientific foundation to advance technologies beneficial to life on Earth and long duration space flight.
“The highly competitive peer review process, preceding the selection of these projects, underscores the sustained interest that leading researchers hold for the opportunity to use space to break new scientific grounds,” said Eugene Trinh, Director of the Physical Sciences Division for NASA’s Office of Biological and Physical Research, Washington, which sponsors the research. “We, at NASA, are looking forward to the new technological capabilities for space exploration this distinguished group will generate through its efforts.”
The research offers investigators the advantage of a low-gravity and space environment to enhance understanding of physical, biological and chemical processes associated with fluid physics. Researchers will use NASA’s microgravity research facilities, such as drop-towers and aircraft flying parabolic trajectories.
NASA received 197 proposals in Dec. 2001, in response to the research announcement. The proposals were peer reviewed by scientific and technical experts from academia and government. A list of awardees by state, institution, and research title is available on the Internet at:
http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov/general_info/OBPR-03-185.html