What Technology Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Defining Science, Technology Research & Development for Ultralight Starshade Structural Design Funding The Banking Institution's Funding for Ultralight Starshade Structural Design grant is focused on advancing the field of Science, Technology Research & Development (STRD) in the context of space exploration and astronomy. Specifically, this grant prioritizes projects that contribute to the design and development of ultralight starshades for observing reflected light from Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars. STRD in this context encompasses a range of activities, including the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques, the design and testing of starshade prototypes, and the advancement of computational models and simulations to support starshade performance prediction. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical challenges associated with starshade design and a well-defined plan for addressing these challenges through innovative research and development. The scope of this grant includes, but is not limited to, research and development activities related to starshade structural design, materials science, and optical performance modeling. Applicants should be aware that the funder is particularly interested in projects that demonstrate a strong potential for advancing the state-of-the-art in starshade technology and enabling future astronomical discoveries. In terms of concrete use cases, potential applicants may include research institutions, universities, and private companies with a proven track record in STRD related to space exploration and astronomy. Eligible applicants should have the necessary expertise and infrastructure to undertake complex research and development projects, including access to relevant facilities and equipment. One key regulation that applies to this sector is the National Science Foundation's (NSF) guidelines for research and development funding, which emphasize the importance of intellectual merit and broader impacts. Applicants should be familiar with NSF's review criteria and ensure that their proposals align with these guidelines. ## Trends and Priorities in Science, Technology Research & Development for Ultralight Starshade Structural Design The field of STRD related to ultralight starshade structural design is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and computational modeling. Current trends and priorities include the development of new materials and structures that can meet the demanding performance requirements of starshade technology, as well as the integration of advanced modeling and simulation tools to support starshade design and optimization. Market shifts and policy changes are also influencing the direction of STRD in this area. For example, the growing interest in exoplanet detection and characterization is driving demand for innovative technologies like starshades, which can enable the direct imaging of Earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars. Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of these trends and priorities, as well as a clear understanding of how their proposed research and development activities align with the funder's goals and objectives. In terms of capacity requirements, applicants should have access to relevant expertise and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The funder is particularly interested in supporting projects that demonstrate a strong potential for advancing the state-of-the-art in starshade technology and enabling future astronomical discoveries. One verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is the need to develop starshade structures that are both extremely lightweight and highly precise, with tolerances measured in micrometers. Achieving these performance requirements while also ensuring the structural integrity and stability of the starshade is a significant technical challenge that applicants should be prepared to address. ## Operational Considerations for Science, Technology Research & Development Projects Applicants should be aware of the operational challenges associated with STRD projects related to ultralight starshade structural design. These challenges include managing complex research and development workflows, staffing projects with the necessary expertise, and securing access to relevant facilities and equipment. In terms of delivery challenges, applicants should be prepared to address the technical risks associated with starshade design and development, including the risk of material failures, manufacturing defects, and performance degradation. Effective risk management strategies will be essential to ensuring the success of STRD projects in this area. The funder is particularly interested in supporting projects that demonstrate a strong potential for advancing the state-of-the-art in starshade technology. To achieve this goal, applicants should be prepared to invest in relevant research and development activities, including materials science, optical performance modeling, and prototype testing. In terms of measurement and evaluation, the funder will be looking for applicants to demonstrate clear outcomes and impacts, including advances in starshade technology and enabling future astronomical discoveries. Required outcomes and KPIs may include metrics related to starshade performance, materials science, and optical performance modeling. Reporting requirements will be specified in the grant agreement and may include regular progress reports and a final project report. Q: What types of research and development activities are eligible for funding under this grant? A: Eligible activities include research and development related to starshade structural design, materials science, and optical performance modeling, with a focus on advancing the state-of-the-art in ultralight starshade technology. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical challenges associated with starshade design and a well-defined plan for addressing these challenges through innovative research and development. Q: Are there any specific NSF guidelines or review criteria that applicants should be aware of when applying for this grant? A: Yes, applicants should be familiar with NSF's review criteria, which emphasize the importance of intellectual merit and broader impacts. Proposals should align with these guidelines and demonstrate a clear potential for advancing the state-of-the-art in starshade technology. Q: How will the funder evaluate the success of STRD projects related to ultralight starshade structural design? A: The funder will evaluate project success based on clear outcomes and impacts, including advances in starshade technology and enabling future astronomical discoveries. Required outcomes and KPIs may include metrics related to starshade performance, materials science, and optical performance modeling.