FUNDING-NASA -- CENTENNIAL CHALLENGES PROGRAM, CARBON DIOXIDE TO GLUCOSE - Request for Information; October 13, 2017

 

Agency

 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

 

Description

 

The Centennial Challenges program is seeking input on the Carbon Dioxide to Glucose Challenge. The Challenge seeks to develop novel synthesis technologies necessary to manufacture "food" for microbial bioreactors from carbon dioxide and hydrogen molecules which are sufficiently abundant on Mars. The ultimate goal is to produce the sugar glucose. Glucose is a readily metabolized carbon and energy substrate widely used in microbial production systems, and is also a food ingredient for human consumption. Producing glucose from resources on Mars will allow In-situ microbial production systems to generate numerous products needed to support future missions to Mars. This challenge provides the opportunity for participants to advance the capabilities of CO2-based organic synthesis systems being developed in academic institutions and industry as well as to investigate pioneering approaches not yet explored. This RFI seeks: (1) to gather feedback on the competition being considered, including the challenge goal, prize amounts, and competition structure (including parameters and evaluation criteria); and (2) to determine the interest level in potentially competing in this challenge. Specific information sought is detailed in Section 6.

 

Comments must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on October 13, 2017, to Mr. David Howard at e-mail address: HQ-STMD-CentennialChallenges@mail.nasa.gov. Please use "Carbon Dioxide to Glucose Challenge RFI" on the subject line. NASA welcomes individual innovators and enthusiasts as well as those affiliated with industry, academia, governments, and other organizations to reply to this RFI. This RFI is for informational/planning purposes only and the Government will not be responsible for any cost associated with preparing information in support of this RFI.

 

Announcement Number:

 

80HQTR18NOA01

 

Link to Full Announcement

 

https://www.fbo.gov/notices/a19e363743daeda6d1cf5ae03eca5d4c

 

Contact Information

 

Bonnie F James

HQ-STMD-SpaceTech-REDDI@mail.nasa.gov