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Your competitors are starting to explore the potential and reap the rewards of space, why aren't you?

Space-based research has produced impressive results. Commercial research made use of protein crystal growth on the Shuttle to help speed development of a potential treatment for the flu. Microgravity research has helped the Ford Motor Company and other manufacturers improve their cast parts, resulting in both savings and improved reliability. Plants are being tested to see if new varieties can be produced more easily in microgravity, while plants are being investigated for the production of essential oils and anti-cancer compounds. Bone and heart "patches" are just two of the biomedical products being investigated for commercial use.

Space commercialization reaches across every facet of today's marketplace. From research and development on materials to the rich fields of agribusiness, space-based research and development is helping American businesses get ahead. The Space Product Development Office is here to help you discover how space can make your business truly out of this world.

Will it work for me?

The only way to find out is to ask. Whether you would like to know if doing research in microgravity would help your efforts, or if you have a product or service that you think could help other commercial researchers.

How does it work?

The contact process is fairly simple: You call or write the Space Product Development Office and talk with a representative. This will allow an evaluation to be made and provide you with information on submitting a written request, which would include your goals and the resources that you will use to meet those goals. This will allow the best options for your work to be selected, including potential partnership with an appropriate Commercial Space Center. As you go forward there will be challenges, but - with perserverance - rewards.

What is a Commercial Space Center?

The Commercial Space Centers (CSCs) are a partnership between NASA, academia, and the private sector. These centers are responsible for specific areas of commercial research and development. Supported by NASA, they are responsible for developing commercial partners to use space to develop new or improved products or processes for industy.

What do NASA and the CSCs get out of this?

NASA, per its charter, is working to foster commercial space initiatives, so that the benefits of space come down to earth, improving the quality of life for all Americans. Meantime, the nation benefits from the economic and practical benefits that come from such research. The CSCs develop new partners, new industries, and new products - for the economic benefit to all involved.

What do I get out of it?

The major benefit is in using the unique attributes of space, as well as ground-based resources, to explore new or improved product development, or even more advanced concepts. Meanwhile, you establish new business relationships and have the opportunity to boost your business to new levels. No one can guarantee what you get, other than the opportunity, but it could open the door to new commercial endeavors.

What will it cost me?

That will depend on many factors, based on what you want to do. The Space Product Development Office simply provides the opportunity for you to benefit from out of this world reseach.

How can I find out more?

Businesses interested in commerical space opportunities can obtain more information by writing to:

Space Product Development
Mail Code SD10
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL 35812

or mail to spd@msfc.nasa.gov