NASA's Requests for Information and Research Opportunities: Advancing Aeronautics and Emergency Response Technologies

Introduction

In response to the growing need for innovative technologies to address challenges in emergency response and aeronautics, NASA has launched a series of Requests for Information (RFIs) and research opportunities aimed at engaging industry, academia, and private sectors. From wildland firefighting innovations to advanced air mobility (AAM) and supersonic technology, NASA's efforts seek to advance aeronautical innovation and collaboration across multiple domains.

NASA's Request for Information: Emergency Response Operations

The Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations** is one of NASA's critical initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges facing the wildland firefighting community. The RFI seeks input on several technologies, including:

Data collection solutions.
Airborne connectivity and communications.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM).
Aircraft operations and autonomy solutions.

NASA’s goal is to foster a collaborative environment where partners can demonstrate cutting-edge technology that will benefit emergency response operations. The partnership strategy developed through this RFI is essential to ensuring the next generation of emergency response tools is well-equipped for future challenges.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their information packages via NASA's Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations portal by October 15, 2023. More information and submission guidelines are available on the official website at NASA ACERO RFI.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Mission

NASA's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative is central to the future of urban air transportation. Through this RFI, NASA is conducting market research to inform its decision-making on partnership strategies and future research. The AAM RFI focuses on public, private, and academic input on:

Technical needs related to AAM.
Community interests in aerial mobility.
Future research and development in AAM technologies.

NASA envisions AAM as the next frontier of transportation, with flying vehicles and autonomous aircraft playing a crucial role in modern mobility solutions. By gathering feedback through multiple avenues, NASA aims to create a cohesive strategy for Advanced Air Mobility research. For more information and upcoming solicitations, visit NASA's AAM Mission page.

NASA Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (NRA)

NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) uses the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) process to solicit proposals for foundational aeronautics research. These research opportunities are focused on advancing NASA’s core capabilities in the field of aeronautics and aviation. Some of the core programs within the NRA process include:

Advanced Air Vehicles Program.
Airspace Operations and Safety Program.
Integrated Aviation Systems Program.
Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program.

The current open solicitations for NASA Research Opportunities in Aeronautics include ROA-2023 and ROA-2024. These solicitations are posted on NASA's NSPIRES website, where parties can submit proposals.

One notable NRA initiative is the University Leadership Initiative (ULI), which provides universities the chance to lead multidisciplinary research in six strategic thrust areas. These areas include safe, efficient growth in global operations, commercial high-speed aircraft innovation, and assured autonomy for aviation transformation. The ULI process follows a two-step proposal submission model. More details on proposal deadlines and topics are available on the NASA NSPIRES page.

Fellowship Opportunities and University Research Challenges

NASA is also focusing on developing the next generation of aeronautics researchers through fellowship and research opportunities, such as the AAVP Fellowship and University Student Research Challenge (USRC). These programs aim to fund graduate-level research projects that contribute to STEM advancements directly aligned with NASA’s missions. 

The AAVP Fellowship Opportunities solicit proposals from U.S.-accredited institutions, seeking research that addresses critical aeronautics challenges. On the other hand, the University Student Research Challenge (USRC) encourages students to present novel aeronautics-related concepts while learning entrepreneurial skills through crowdfunding campaigns.

Students and universities participating in the USRC are expected to raise a portion of the research funding through crowdfunding, enhancing public awareness of aeronautics innovation. Proposals for the USRC are due November 7, 2024. More information can be found on NASA’s official USRC page.

Commercial Supersonic Technology and Fuel Injector Design

Another major area of research within NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate is the Commercial Supersonic Technology initiative. This initiative seeks proposals for fuel injector design concepts that will be tested at NASA Glenn Research Center. The target of this project is to advance the state-of-the-art in low-NOx emissions for supersonic cruise aircraft, with an estimated timeline for technology application in 2035.

This effort is aligned with Strategic Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial High-Speed Aircraft, as outlined in the NASA Aeronautics Strategic Implementation Plan.

Conclusion

NASA’s wide range of requests for information and research opportunities presents a unique chance for industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations to contribute to the future of aeronautics and emergency response technologies. With RFIs targeting everything from advanced mobility and supersonic flight to emergency response operations, there is ample opportunity for innovative ideas to be part of NASA's long-term vision.

For more detailed information on how to participate, make sure to check the official links and submission portals:

NASA ACERO RFI
NASA NSPIRES

Don't miss your chance to collaborate with NASA and contribute to future advancements in aeronautics, mobility, and emergency response technologies.