Description:
In conjunction with Hyperspace Challenge, the DOD Dept of Defense Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Universities Space Research Association (USRA) will release a United States Space Force (USSF) funded research opportunity early fall 2021.

The University Consortium Research Opportunity was designed to engage institutions of higher education through the facilitation of AFRL research that leads to the continued advancement of the USSF. Furthermore, this opportunity aims to provide undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellows with authentic research opportunities to stimulate interest and improve retention in STEM careers within AFRL.

•It is anticipated the following critical research areas will be included in the University Consortium Research Opportunity solicitation announcement.

• Leveraging microgravity for military/commercial applications & products
• On-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing
• Quantum sensing for location and EM field detection
• Rapid initial orbit determination
• Rocket cargo technology for agile global logistics
• Smart sensing and machine learning for ground based remote sensing of satellites

•Faculty from accredited U.S. colleges and universities interested in pursuing this funding opportunity should propose innovative solutions to address the critical research areas.

Interested faculty and institutions are invited to attend a Pre-Solicitation Informational Webinar to learn more about the opportunity: 
Date: Friday, September 24, 2021
Time: 1:30pm Central

Register in advance to attend the webinar: https://rb.gy/hacgvj

Please visit https://afrlscholars.usra.edu/urep/ for more details.

Research Area(s):
Aeronautics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Autonomous System, Heliophysics, Human Factors/Human Systems Integration, Information Technology/Computer Science, Intern Opportunities, Materials Science & Nanotechnology, Microgravity, Planetary Science, Power & Propulsion, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Spacecraft Design, Space Debris Research, Space Life Sciences, Space Object Characterization, Space Situational Awareness, Systems Engineering, Unmanned Aerial Systems