Space Florida, the state’s spaceport authority and aerospace economic development organization, and NanoRacks LLC have announced the Space Florida International Space Station Research Competition. NanoRacks will provide up to eight Payload Box Units (NanoLabs). Space Florida will cover the costs of payload transportation to ISS for eight winning applicants. An independent team of judges will review research proposals based on commercial viability and overall benefit to mankind.

A preparatory workshop hosted by Space Florida and NanoRacks will take place at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, Florida on October 5, 2012. The workshop will cover the application process, rules, and requirements. Representatives from NASA and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, the non-profit manager of the ISS US National Laboratory, will also be present to advise attendees on the launch and research process. Private consultation time may be requested through NanoRacks. Applicants and workshop attendees must register in advance.

Completed proposals are due by October 31.

More information is available on the Space Florida ISS Research Competition website.