Strategic University Research Partnerships: FY18 Strategic Topics

FY18 Strategic Topics

JPL has identified the science and technology areas that are essential for JPL’s continuing contribution to NASA’s future success and for which JPL’s leadership is key. The topic areas are provided below.

The SURP Program encourages proposals that address the strategic topic areas identified below. Preference will be given to proposals that are aligned with these topic areas, but selection of an exceptional proposal outside these areas is not precluded.

1. Solar System Science
   Solar system origin, structure and evolution
   Planetary Atmospheres and Geology
   Solar System characteristics and origin of life
   Primitive solar systems bodies
   Lunar science
   Preparing for returned sample investigations

2. Earth Science
   Atmospheric Composition
   Weather and Atmospheric Physics
   Land and solid earth processes
   Water Cycle
   Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems
   Oceans and Cryosphere
   Climate Science
   Earth analogs to planets

3. Astronomy and Fundamental Physics
   Origin, evolution, and structure of the universe
   Gravitational astrophysics and fundamental physics
   Extra-solar planets and star and planetary formation
   Solar and Space Physics
   Formation and evolution of galaxies

4. In-Space Propulsion Technologies
   Chemical propulsion
   Non-chemical propulsion
   Electric propulsion

5. Space Power and Energy Storage
   Power generation
   Energy storage
   Power management & distribution

6. Robotics, Tele-Robotics and Autonomous System
   Sensing
   Mobility
   Manipulation technology
   Human-systems interfaces
   Autonomy
   Autonomous rendezvous & docking
   Systems engineering

7. Communication and Navigation
   DSN Science
   Optical communications & navigation technology
   Radio frequency communications
   Internetworking
   Position, navigation and timing
   Active radar instruments
   Distributed spacecraft formation
   Revolutionary concepts
   Pointing systems

8. Human Exploration Destination Systems
   In-situ resource utilization
   Cross-cutting systems

9. Science Instruments, Observatories and Sensor Systems
   Science Mission Directorate Technology Needs
   Remote Sensing instruments/sensors
   Observatory technology
   Advanced optics and telescopes
   In-situ instruments/sensor technologies
   Visible/IR/submillimeter, in-situ and remote sensing instruments
   Visible/IR/submillimeter focal planes

10. Entry, Descent and Landing Systems
   Aerobraking, aerocapture, and entry systems
   Descent
   Precision Landing
   Vehicle system technology

11. Nanotechnology
   Engineered materials
   Energy generation and storage
   Electronics, devices and sensors

12. Modeling, Simulation, Information Technology and Processing
   Flight and ground computing
   Modeling
   Simulation
   Information processing

13. Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems and Manufacturing
   Materials
   Structures
   Mechanical systems

14. Thermal Management Systems
   Cryogenic systems
   Thermal control systems
   Thermal protection systems