- Type
- Request for Information
- Dates
- Close
- Jul 31, 2026
- Release
- Jul 01, 2026
- 26 STAR NOI
- Jul 31, 2026
- Title
- Request for Information: Virtual Space Biosciences Training Course: STAR (Spaceflight Technologies, Application, and Research) Call for Applications
- Number
- NNH26ZDA012L
- Pdf Text
- 1
Virtual Space Biosciences Training Course: STAR (Spaceflight Technology,
Applications, and Research)
NASA Call for Applications
Number: NNH26ZDA012L
Release Date: July 1, 2026
Response Due Date: July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time)
I. Background
STAR is space biosciences training for researchers interested in fundamental space biology and
spaceflight-relevant research paradigms. It was implemented for the first time as a virtual pilot
training in 2020-2021 and has continued annually since.
NASA has two major programs focused on life sciences in space. The Science Mission
Directorate (SMD) is home to the Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) Division's Space
Biology (SB) Program, and the Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate (HSMD) oversees the
Human Research Program (HRP). These two programs represent the fundamental and applied
aspects of the field of biology, respectively, and are described below. The STAR course covers
both fundamental and applied space biology, as well as practical aspects of preparing for,
conducting, and analyzing the results of spaceflight experiments. This call solicits applications
for the seventh (2026 – 2027) virtual cohort.
A. SMD's Space Biology (SB). The SB program falls within the BPS Division of NASA
SMD and focuses on research which increases NASA’s understanding of how living systems
respond to the unique environments that are encountered during space exploration, including the
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment and deep space conditions beyond LEO. SB contributes to
common goals across NASA for transit to and maintenance of a sustainable presence in lunar and
Martian environments.
SB consists of research across a wide spectrum of biological organization (e.g. biomolecules,
cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, whole organisms, microbe-host interactions, and
ecosystems, etc.) and model systems to probe deeply into underlying mechanisms by which
organisms acclimate to stressors encountered during space exploration (e.g., altered gravity,
ionizing radiation, low magnetic fields, elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide, etc.). This
research pushes us toward BPS goals in Precision Health for predicting, monitoring, and
responding to physiological impacts of space environments, and Space Crops for understanding
the response of plants and production of food in space. The results of this important work can
reveal how biological systems regulate and sustain growth, metabolism, reproduction, and
development in space and how they repair damage and protect themselves from infection and
disease. Such knowledge provides fundamental insights into biological mechanisms and provides
a foundation researchers can build on to enable humans to thrive during deep space exploration.
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In addition, such knowledge has provided, and will continue to provide, benefits to the health
and well-being of those on Earth.
The recommendations and guidance contained within the 2023 National Academies Decadal
Survey, "Thriving in Space: Ensuring the Future of Biological and Physical Sciences Research: A
Decadal Survey for 2023-2032" further informs Space Biology’s current and future research
priorities and directives, and BPS released the Decadal Science Road Map (Version 2.3) in May
2026. More information about the Space Biology Program can be found at:
https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/programs/space-biology.
The strategic goals and objectives of SMD are in the documents available at
https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/science-strategy/ including "2025-2026 NASA Science Plan: A
Vision for Scientific Excellence." NASA’s FY 2026 Annual Performance Plan and Evaluation
Plan (APPEP) at https://www.nasa.gov/ocfo/performance-report/ describes the Agency’s current
Performance Goals, including the underlying milestone targets, consistent with the FY 2025
Operating Plan and FY 2026 President’s Budget Request.
B. HSMD’s Human Research Program (HRP). HRP investigates and mitigates the
highest risks to astronaut health and performance in exploration missions. The goal of the HRP is
to provide human health and performance countermeasures, knowledge, technologies, and tools
to enable safe, reliable, and productive human space exploration. The scope of this goal includes
both the successful completion of exploration missions and the preservation of health over the
astronaut’s lifetime. The HRP contains four Elements: Space Radiation, Human Health
Countermeasures, Human Factors and Behavioral Performance, and Research Operations and
Integration.
The highest priority risks for HRP include research involving Immune System
Responses, Sensorimotor and Vestibular Function, Venous Thrombosis, Decompression
Sickness, Food and Nutrition, Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), Bone
Changes, Behavioral Health Changes, Sleep, Teamwork, Dynamic Loads, Earth Independent
Human-System Operations, and Carcinogenesis Risks. The associated research approach plans
highlight the strategies used to mitigate the risk as we enable exploration missions.
The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) seeks innovative and
disruptive technologies, techniques, and countermeasures that will enable and enhance human
exploration of deep space. The Institute’s goal is to fund innovative approaches that will reduce
multiple risks to human health on missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. The TRISH was founded in
2016 and works in partnership with HRP through a cooperative agreement.
C. STAR Training Course. Fundamental and translational research on the impact of
spaceflight on biological systems, as explored by the programs described above, is essential to
facilitate human space exploration and long-term habitation in and beyond low-Earth orbit.
However, there is a lack of dedicated courses or training that would be available for new
researchers entering the field of space biosciences or preparing to submit proposals for analog or
spaceflight experiments. The opportunities and limitations of using spacecraft as a research
laboratory are specific, complex, and frequently require prior knowledge which may present a
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major hurdle for academic and industry researchers who would otherwise be able to apply their
expertise to space biology.
To address these issues, NASA offers the STAR course, which provides training and encourages
networking and collaborations in spaceflight technologies, applications, and research. This
training targets principal investigators (PIs), senior researchers, and postdoctoral scholars, and
aims to facilitate their entry to NASA life sciences and preparation for spaceflight experiments
using NASA and commercial platforms. For information about prior STAR cohorts, please see
the following link: https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/resources/star/#h-star-alumni.
The next STAR course will take place virtually during September 2026 – February 2027
(estimate). The STAR course and this RFI is subject to cancellation at any time.
II. STAR Goals
STAR aims to provide training to PIs, senior researchers and postdoctoral scholars in the science
and technology behind biological experiments in space. The curriculum includes principles of
fundamental space life sciences and its practical applications, including technical and logistical
considerations, available opportunities, and the unique limitations present in conducting
spaceflight research. Participants also will have opportunities to interact with PIs with prior
mission experience, developers of spaceflight technology, and flight providers. All participants
will receive a PDF certificate upon course completion. Note that while preparing participants for
spaceflight research is a goal of this course, there is no guarantee of funding from future NASA
Research Announcements (NRAs), Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), Announcements
of Opportunity (AOs), or other type of funding competition. NASA gives no preference to any
course participant who may apply to a future or current funding announcement or to a funded or
no-exchange-of-funds Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP).
III. Eligibility
NASA welcomes applications from individuals that meet the eligibility requirements provided
below.
• Must have completed at least one of these degree types: 1) a Ph.D. or related
doctoral degree (or foreign equivalent) or 2) an M.D., D.O. or related medical
degree (or foreign equivalent) by the application due date.
• Affiliation or employment with eligible organizations, including but not limited to
commercial entities, international organizations, non-profit organizations, academia,
NASA Centers, and government agencies. Not limited to U.S. organizations.
• STAR welcomes eligible international applicants, especially those with affiliations to
nations that are signatories to the Artemis Accords.
• STAR does not require that participants be U.S. citizens.
• No prior space biology or flight experience is required.
• No individual shall be residing in and/or a citizen of a country on the NASA Export
Control Program list of Designated Countries List Category II: Countries determined by
the Department of State to support terrorism. The current list of designated countries can
be found at https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control. Please check the link for latest
updates.
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• While China is not a Category II designated country, pursuant to Public Law 116-6,
Section 530, NASA is prohibited from participating, collaborating, or coordinating
bilaterally in any way with China or any Chinese-owned entity.
IV. Review and Selection
The review and selection of applications submitted in response to this opportunity will be made
by the STAR organization team e.g., see section IX Points of Contact. Applicants will be
evaluated on their interest in space biology and conducting spaceflight experiments and the
relevance of the STAR training to their research goals as expressed in the letter of intent
provided.
Applicants will be selected from a wide range of geographic locations, professional levels,
research areas, and backgrounds. Applicants will be notified by the STAR organizers regarding
selection to participate.
V. Funding Information
NASA will not provide funding for the participants in the virtual training activities.
VI. Expected Number of Participants
While participants will be drawn from eligible applicants, replying to this Call for Applications
does not guarantee a spot in the STAR training. It is anticipated that 45 applicants will be
selected to participate in the STAR-7 (2026 – 2027) class. The maximum number of training
attendance slots is set to foster an environment that allows for networking and collaboration
amongst the participants and invited speakers. In the event that course demand exceeds available
attendance slots, course participants will be selected by the course organization team from
among the available applicants.
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VII. Submission Information
All responses must include the following elements, as detailed below, uploaded in a single PDF
file as the Appendix attachment in NSPIRES. Note that any pages exceeding the page limit for a
given section will be redacted.
A. Letter of Intent (up to 2 pages)
B. Curriculum Vitae (CV, up to 2 pages)
C. Recommendation from Mentor, if the applicant is a postdoctoral scholar, (up to 2 pages)
A. Letter of Intent: The letter of intent is limited to two pages. It must briefly describe the
applicant’s previous research and interests and include an explanation on why the STAR training
would be relevant and beneficial to the applicant.
B. Curriculum Vitae: The curriculum vitae is limited to two pages. The CV should
include professional experiences and positions and a selected bibliography of publications, as
well as a description of scientific, technical, and management performance on selected prior
research efforts.
C. Recommendation from Mentor: This section is only for postdoctoral scholars. The
recommendation letter provided by the Mentor is limited to two pages and must be included in
the Appendix attachment upload along with the applicant’s Letter of Intent and CV. It must
contain a summary of how the course will contribute to and support the applicant’s career
development and a description of why the applicant would excel in the course.
VIII. Response Instructions
This call for applications is issued using the Request for Information (RFI) format available
through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System
(NSPIRES). For this RFI, an application submission will take the form of a Notice of Intent
(NOI) within the NSPIRES online announcement and data management system. Applications
must be submitted electronically using the NSPIRES (https://nspires.nasaprs.com) website. It is
important to note that some of the functionality of the NSPIRES system uses terminology that
does not exactly track to the collection of STAR application data. For instance, when submitting
responses to this RFI, use of the term “proposals” or “NOIs” in these instructions does not mean
that NASA is inviting proposals or offers in response to this RFI.
All applicants are required to register with NSPIRES first and are urged to access this site well in
advance of the due date to familiarize themselves with its structure and enter the requested
identifier information. Requests for assistance in accessing and/or using the NSPIRES website
should be submitted by E-mail to nspires-help@nasaprs.com or by telephone to (202) 479-9376
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time. This data site is secure, and all
information entered is strictly for NASA use only.
Only one person may apply in each application. All applications must be created by the
applicant. Responses to this RFI shall be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time
on the due date of July 31st, 2026. Applications must be submitted using the “Notice of Intent
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(NOI)” module within the NSPIRES system.
You must be registered with NSPIRES to apply by submitting an RFI response. See registration
instructions at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select “Create an account”). Institution registration is
not required to apply.
1. When you have an NSPIRES account, go to the NSPIRES landing page for “Virtual
Space Biosciences Training Course: “STAR (Spaceflight Technology, Applications, and
Research)” NNH26ZDA012L, at https://go.nasa.gov/ApplySTAR26.
2. Click on “Create.”
3. Log in when requested.
4. Enter the Request for Information: Response title NOTE: NSPIRES will show this as
“NOI title.”
5. Select "do not link at this time" for submitting organization page.
6. Click "Save" on next page.
7. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in NSPIRES to complete your RFI
response.
8. Complete the “Program Specific Data” questions to answer all questions presented (see
Appendix B for representative questions). This is the only section that is required to be
completed in the “NOI Details”. All other “NOI Details” sections may be left blank.
9. Prepare your RFI application materials offline and save as a PDF document (NSPIRES
instructions on PDF formats are described in the NSPIRES PDF Guidelines available at
https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/externalhelp/public/assets/pdf/PDF_Guidelines.pdf).
The application document must include the applicant’s name, institution (if applicable),
and email address so the file is self-contained. File names format should be “Applicant
Last Name - First Name.”
10. The PDF file should include your Letter of Intent (2 pages max) and CV (2 pages max).
NOTE: if a postdoctoral scholar, include your recommendation from mentor (2 pages
max) as well.
11. To attach (upload) your PDF document:
a.) Click "add" under NOI attachments section;
b.) Select "Appendix" from the dropdown list;
c.) Browse to attach your PDF file;
d.) Select "Upload";
e.) Click "OK";
f.) Your RFI document has been uploaded to NSPIRES.
12. Click Submit NOI button. NOTE: Clicking “Submit NOI” does not complete the
submission process.
13. Ignore any warnings about incomplete NOI elements. Please check to make sure you
completed the “Program Specific Data.”
14. Click "Submit". This will take you to the NOI submission confirmation page, which
provides you with the NOI/RFI number for your records.
Please note: You may delete and replace the uploaded document any time before the submission
deadline; however, once your RFI response is submitted, it cannot be deleted. If you find that
you have submitted in final and need to make a correction, then indicate in the title of any full
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second submission in capital letters: “CORRECTED RESPONSE”, and the first submission will
not be reviewed. If you submit more than one application, neither will be reviewed.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to:
1) ensure that all PDF files are unlocked and that edit permission is enabled.
2) ensure that all fonts are embedded in the PDF file and that only Type 1 or TrueType fonts
are used. In addition, any proposer who creates files using TeX or LaTeX is required to
first create a DVI file and then convert the DVI file to Postscript and then to PDF; and
3) ensure that text in the PDF is searchable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on NSPIRES may be accessed through the Proposal Online
Help site at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/help.do.
A STAR content-specific questions and answers (Q&A), if any, will be posted on the application
landing page on NSPIRES at short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ApplySTAR26
Questions will be accepted by email only and must be addressed to the points of contact listed in
section XI. Anonymity of persons and institutions who submit comments will be preserved.
Depending on the nature of received questions, NASA may i) respond on an individual basis by
email or ii) may post responses on NSPIRES that are intended to address inquiries of broader
interest and general clarification
IX. Purpose of this Call for Applications
The information obtained will be used by NASA for STAR course planning and selection of
course participants.
The Government does not intend to award a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract on the
basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited or for participation in the
STAR course. As stipulated in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this
notice are not considered offers, shall not be used as a proposal, and cannot be accepted by the
Government to form a binding contract. Inputs shall be compliant with all legal and regulatory
requirements concerning limitations on export-controlled items. To the full extent that it is
protected pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations,
information identified by a respondent as "Proprietary or Confidential" will be kept confidential.
X. Summary of Key Information
First day for submission of Responses July 1, 2026
Last day for submission of Responses July 31, 2026
Notification of Acceptance (estimate) August 14, 2026
Required Response Elements
(and page limitations)
Letter of Intent (2 pages), CV (2 pages), Letter of
Support from Mentor (only if applicant is a
postdoctoral scholar, 2 pages), completion of the
“Program Specific Data” questions in NSPIRES.
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Course Location: Virtual (MS Teams platform)
Course Dates (estimate): September 15, 2026 – February 23, 2027
XI. Points of Contact
Email the points of contact (e.g., Dr. Ursula Koniges and Dr. CJ Johnson) at the shared email
address for STAR: hq-star-management@mail.nasa.gov. While the individual STAR points of
contact are subject to change, this shared email box will stay the same.
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Appendix A: Representative STAR Course Schedule
Below is the STAR-5 class (2024 – 2025) schedule. It provides an example of the timeline and
the topics typically covered during the course, consisting of weekly two-hour sessions held on
Tuesdays between 8 – 10 A.M. U.S. Pacific Time. Note that the schedule may be adjusted as
needed and some topics may vary year-to-year.
In the event of a lapse in appropriations, such as occurred in October 2025, the estimated course
schedule will be adjusted. In the event of such a funding lapse, STAR managers will not be able
to respond to email. In the event of a 2026 lapse, see https://www.nasa.gov/shutdown/.
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Appendix B: STAR Program Specific Data
The mandatory “Program Specific Data Representative Questions” that are part of the
application in NSPIRES are listed below.
1. What is your primary organizational affiliation and/or employment (i.e. the company,
institute, or university where you perform research)? If you have no organizational
affiliation, please indicate "unaffiliated" or "self-employed." You can enter up to 1000
characters.
2. STAR welcomes eligible international applicants, especially those with affiliations to
nations that are signatories to the Artemis Accords. Do you have an affiliation to an
Artemis Accords country? If you have an affiliation to an Artemis Accords country,
please describe. You can enter up to 1000 characters.
3. Are you a U.S. citizen or U.S. person? The definition for U.S. person is located in Section
§120.62 of Title 22 (Foreign Relations) of the Code of Federal Regulations. U.S. person
(as defined in §120.62) means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
4. Are you a citizen of 1) China or 2) a country on the NASA Export Control Program list of
Designated Countries List Category II: Countries determined by the Department of State
to support terrorism? The current list of designated countries can be found at
https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control. Please check the link for the latest updates.
5. Are you currently residing in 1) China or 2) a country on the NASA Export Control
Program list of Designated Countries List Category II: Countries determined by the
Department of State to support terrorism? The current list of designated countries can be
found at https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control. Please check the link for the latest
updates.
6. Are you affiliated with or employed by a Chinese-owned entity?
7. Do you participate, collaborate, or coordinate bilaterally with China or any Chinese-
owned entity, regardless of whether the bilateral involvement is funded or performed
under a no-exchange-of-funds basis?
8. How would you best describe your current status? Postdoctoral Scholar; Research
Scientist; Industry Scientist; Assistant Professor; Associate Professor; Tenured Professor;
Government; Other.
9. If you answered “Other” for status, please explain. You can enter up to 1000 characters.
10. Have you ever received a grant or fellowship from NASA?
11. If you answered yes to the previous question, please let us know the years your most
recent grant or fellowship began and ended and the name of the program that awarded it.
You can enter up to 1000 characters.
- Documents
- Title
- Request for Information: Virtual Space Biosciences Training Course: STAR (Spaceflight Technologies, Application, and Research) Call for Applications
- Directorate
- Science Mission Directorate
- File Excerpt
- 1 Virtual Space Biosciences Training Course: STAR (Spaceflight Technology, Applications, and Research) NASA Call for Applications Number: NNH26ZDA012L Release Date: July 1, 2026 Response Due Date: July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time) I. Background STAR is space biosciences training for researchers interested in fundamental space biology and spaceflight-relevant research paradigms. It was implemented for the first time as a virtual pilot training in 2020-2021 and has continued annually since. NASA has two major programs focused on life sciences in space. The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is home to the Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) Division's Space Biology (SB) Program, and the Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate (HSMD) oversees the Human Research Program (HRP).
- Release Date
- Jul 01, 2026
- Contact Email
- nspires-help@nasaprs.com
- Contact Phone
- (202) 479-9376
