Deadline Approaching for NASAs ESMD Research Paper Competition

Join NASA’s mission to send humans to the moon, Mars and beyond by submitting a research paper on one of four areas related to NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate.

The research paper should relate to one of the following areas:

–Ground Operations : Spacecraft Landing and Recovery Architecture: Historical Approaches and Ideas for the Future

–Lunar and Planetary Surface Systems : Synergistic degradation effects of materials exposed to radiation, micrometeors, thermal sinks and lunar dust

–Propulsion : Loading of Cryogenic Propellant in Space Launch Vehicle

–Spacecraft : Determination of the Optimum Internal Cockpit Layout

The ESMD Research Paper Competition is open to students who are U.S. citizens in an undergraduate or graduate studies program. Students must be in good standing and enrolled full- or part-time at a college or university in the United States. Papers may be submitted by an individual or team. Papers that have been previously submitted in other competitions are permitted.

First place winners will be selected for each of the four areas. Each winner will receive a $3500 cash scholarship and VIP seating to an upcoming launch.

The deadline for submitting the research paper is Jan. 25, 2010.

For more information about this competition, visit http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/esmdspacegrant/ResearchPaper.htm .

Questions about the ESMD Research Paper Competition should be directed to Diane Ingraham at zola.d.ingraham@nasa.gov.