Synthetic Biology for Extraterrestrial in Situ Resource Utilization (2)

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

Proposal to fund research into the design of a cellular system suitable for resource utilization on extraterrestrial planetary surfaces using synthetic biology.

Benefits

The design of a cellular system suitable for resource utilization on extraterrestrial planetary surfaces using synthetic biology.

Details

Technology area	Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Acquisition, Isolation, and Preparation
Program	Space Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organization	Rice University, Houston, TX
Start date	2011-09-01
End date	2015-08-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Leonard L Yowell — leonard.yowell-1@nasa.gov
Jeffrey H Tabor
Lucas A Hartsough — lucas.a.hartsough@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.