CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (July 24, 2008) — Seventeen proposals for conducting scientific research and development will receive funding in 2008 from the Florida Joint Matching Grant Program, a collaboration of the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium and Space Florida.
A total of $375,000 will be distributed to:
- 4Frontiers Corporation, New Port Richey, Fla.
- The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
- Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Fla.
- The University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
This annual program combines available Federal and State funds for projects that will diversify Floridas space industry and maintain the states position at the forefront of the scientific research community.
With a strong partnership between FSGC and Space Florida and a consistent source of funding, the two organizations are able to provide the type of financial incentive that lures the most high quality research proposals.
“We received 49 outstanding proposals this year,” said Dr. Jaydeep Mukherjee, Director of the NASA / FSGC. “Seed grants like this can do a lot to expand Florida-based space research capabilities as well as the needs of government, industry and university space / research programs.”
“Research grants like these often provide a foundation for receiving larger grants in the future, and any assistance we can offer local educators only helps further our mission to strengthen Floridas position as the leader in global aerospace research,” said Percy Luney, vice president of education, research and development for Space Florida.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide a stepping stone for young professors in Florida,” Luney said.
The 2008 research projects cover a range of activities including:
- The simulation of ground processing of orbital replacements units for the International Space Station.
- The development of a small satellite attitude determination & control system.
- The design and analysis of high energy efficiency DC-DC converters for small satellites.
- The development of a high powered density permanent magnet motor for future spacecraft applications.
The Florida Joint Matching Grant Program is an opportunity for Space Florida and the Grant Consortium to cooperatively achieve their mutual goals of promoting and developing Floridas aerospace industry while simultaneously supporting space research and education projects. All proposals were evaluated by an independent committee comprised of NASA personnel at the Kennedy Space Center.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.