Seed Funding Initiative Winning Proposals

The Rice Space Institute (RSI) aims to expand our understanding of the Universe and our presence within it through fundamental research in space exploration and discovery. RSI is pleased to offer funding opportunities to advance this vision, promote space related research, and stimulate the growth of external funding. The winners are listed below.

Haptic Sensory Feedback Augmentation to Mitigate Vestibular Deficits following Microgravity Exposure

Primary Investigator: Marcia O'Malley
Co-Primary Investigators: Vanessa Sanchez, Shane King, Kyra Stovicek

Abstract: Exposure to microgravity during spaceflight results in vestibular and proprioceptive alterations that may impair astronauts upon their return to a gravitational environment. This proposal aims to develop a Sensory Augmentation Haptic Feedback (SAHF) device to mitigate postural balance and locomotion control impairments in astronauts due to microgravity exposure. The SAHF device provides vibrotactile haptic feedback proportional to foot center of pressure position. The proposal includes a validation study with unimpaired participants. The goal is to improve astronaut safety and performance during space missions.

Spark plasma sintered high-density and light-weight boron nitrides (BN) ceramics for radiation shielding applications

Primary Investigator: Robert Vajtai
Co-Primary Investigators: Abhijit Biswas

Abstract: Exploring space allows us to answer fundamental questions about the universe, such as its origins, composition, and evolution. Space exploration can enhance national security by providing advanced satellite technology for communications and reconnaissance. However, significant challenges remain associated with reducing harmful space radiation. This proposal aims to design, synthesize, and optimize lightweight high-density boron nitride (BN) materials and their composite for harmful radiation shielding space applications. A new paradigm of fundamental synthesis science-guided high-density BN materials will be created by using the high-temperature, high-pressure self-densification spark plasma sintering process, augmented by leading-edge characterizations to elucidate the atomic scale structural evolution and its excellent mechanical strength and thermal properties and high-energy radiation shielding behaviors, for future space explorations.

The Role of Environment in Planet Formation

Primary Investigator: Megan Reiter

Abstract: Understanding how planets form is currently one of the hottest topics in astronomy. This subject area was identified as a top priority from the National Academies 2020 decadal survey and for NASA. This proposal will support participation of Rice students, postdocs, and faculty to a conference aimed at sharing the latest discoveries concerning the impact of the interstellar environment on the architecture of planetary systems. The conference will by hosted at the Rice Global Paris Center and will serve to foster collaborations between Rice, the Rice Space Institute, North America and Europe.

Modeling framework for bioelectricity and its effect on the mechano-biology of wounds to accelerate healing in microgravity environments

Primary Investigator: Raudel Avila
Co-Primary Investigators: Swathi Balaji, K. Jane Grande-Allen

Abstract: In space environments, astronauts face significant health and medical equipment challenges that can potentially delay the healing timeline and increase the susceptibility to injuries. In particular, the microgravity environment delays normal tissue repair and wound healing while also affecting muscle and bone loss. The proposed research aims to develop a theoretical and computational modeling framework to achieve the following objectives: (1) identify the key biomechanical and bioelectric parameters that govern the wound healing process in space environments; (2) understand the role of bioelectricity in compensating for the absence of gravitational forces to influence the mechano-biology of cells and accelerate wound healing; and (3) design experimental setups to verify and validate the computational models and monitor the wound healing process in both terrestrial and microgravity environments. These models will inform the recovery timeline and optimal wound treatment options in space environments aided by biomaterials and stimulation protocols.

Development of 3D printed waveguide arrays for snapshot spectrometers for Earth remote sensing observations

Primary Investigator: Tomasz Tkaczyk

Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging from space has become an important diagnostic tool for a wide array of purposes including the study of the water cycle in complex environments on Earth and on other objects in the Solar System. This proposal aims at developing critical waveguide components and proof of concept hyperspectral imaging system for future implementation on board UAV, airborne, and orbiting platforms. This system will measure many spectral channels around water vapor absorption bands and key land cover classification wavelengths at high temporal frequencies. These observations will enable us to measure water vapor fluxes over complex land surfaces where traditional measurements are infeasible. The waveguide structures will allow to bring modality to TRL 3 and ready of NASA Instrument incubation programs.

Co-Advancement of Formal Methods and Prognostic Digital Twins for Reliability and Resilience of Space Robotics

Primary Investigator: Fathi Ghorbel

Abstract: With the remote, unpredictable, and dynamic environments in which space robots operate, resilient, independent operation is critical. This proposal focuses on enhancing the reliability and resilience of space robotics by integrating Formal Methods and Prognostic Digital Twins. The proposal identifies a gap in the current design and analysis of space robots and suggests a solution through four research thrusts. These thrusts aim to verify the accuracy of Prognostic Digital Twins, expand the application of Formal Methods, estimate the remaining useful life of robotic components, and optimize formal methods artifacts for better digital twin performance. This research could significantly advance the field of space robotics.