The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has issued a solicitation for flight proposals seeking access to remote sensing capabilities on the International Space Station (ISS) for Earth-based energy applications. CASIS is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks applications directed towards utilization of the ISS National Lab by commercial and academic investigators for Earth observation research projects in the field of energy.

Proposals should seek to use the ISS National Lab as an Earth observation platform for studies with the goal of identifying or improving terrestrial applications for energy capture, storage, and/or sustainability.

Examples of studies include (but are not limited to) identifying, siting, or monitoring solar parks, wind parks, and water resources. There is also the potential for biomass energy applications and sensing technology related to the oil, gas, and coal industries.

Proposals may seek to use both internal and external ISS hardware platforms. "This announcement is an important step in promoting the station as an environment capable of enhancing energy-related R and D for Earth benefit," said CASIS Director of Portfolio Management Warren Bates.

"This solicitation will continue our progress in supporting use of the station by new sectors that previously may not have understood the full-ranging capabilities of our Nation's orbiting laboratory."

Step-1 Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5pm EST on November 24, 2014 via the CASIS solicitations website page. In order to submit a final Step-2 Proposal, a Step-1 Proposal must be filed and approved by CASIS. Invited Step-2 Proposals will be due February 10, 2015.

For additional information about this RFP, including instructions and information regarding energy development, CASIS, and the ISS please go here.