Topic

Subtopic Problem Statement/Description: NASA's In-Space Production Applications (InSPA) portfolio invests in U.S. entities to demonstrate in-space production of high-value materials that target important terrestrial applications and lead to the creation of new industries in space. InSPA portfolio goals are to: (1) Serve U.S. national interests by advancing materials and technologies that strengthen industry leadership and improve national security; (2) provide benefits to humanity by developing materials that significantly improve the quality of life on Earth; and (3) accelerate development of the space economy in low-Earth orbit (LEO) by stimulating non-NASA demand for scalable and sustainable use of Commercial LEO Destinations. In this subtopic, NASA requests the submission of commercial application-focused proposals for high-throughput in-space production of microgravity enhanced semiconductors and quantum materials for high-value technologies through novel manufacturing processes in the unique environment of space. CHIPS-QM concepts must meet the following criteria: (1) require utilization of the International Space Station (ISS) to demonstrate proof-of-concept for in-space production of advanced semiconductor and quantum materials that are superior to what can be achieved terrestrially, (2) require return of the material (or knowledge product) to Earth to support existing and emerging markets, (3) increase U.S. industrial competitiveness and national security [1], [2], [3], [4] This subtopic is soliciting technologies to support high throughput in-space production of advanced materials and enabling technologies in two areas: •Quantum Materials (QM): Novel materials with unique quantum mechanical properties for quantum devices for sensing, communications, and computing.[3],[5],[6] Consistent with other space enhanced materials [7], microgravity may help to achieve homogeneity, stability, and reproducibility in addition to addressing interface issues and compatibility with existing technology for integrating QMs into functional devices, bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Applications include QMs for advanced qubits in quantum computers and ultra-sensitive sensors and imaging devices, communications, mineral exploration, energy generation and storage systems, including advanced photovoltaics, thermoelectric generators, and supercapacitors, as well as for applications in electronics with ultra-fast, low-energy-consumption devices and high-transition-temperature superconductors. Examples also include photonic materials qubits, superconductors, quantum magnets, topological insulators and superconductors, and quantum-spin liquids, nitrogen-vacancy centers (e.g., diamond), quantum semimetals, and the development of hybrid systems combining QMs with other established technologies. •Semiconductor Materials: Groundbreaking semiconductors materials and microelectronics systems produced in space including but not limited to leading-edge semiconductor materials (e.g., diamond-based semiconductors, wide bandgap semiconductors, 2-D materials), next generation electronic materials beyond complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology that addresses current scaling limitations, heterogeneous materials & process integration, and manufacturing methods overcoming the limits of 2D manufacturing through complex 3D assemblies. Additional applications are advanced materials for natural and hostile radiation environments, RF and optical components, high-power devices, and other critical applications. [8] Proposals should clearly describe where and how gravity impedes material quality on Earth and what unique properties and performance are expected from in-space production. Objectives may include expanded scientific scope, in-situ characterization, more advanced manufacturing techniques, and use of artificial intelligence and/or computational models (i.e. digital twins). NASA encourages proposers to pursue multi-agency initiatives [9][10] for developing, manufacturing, and commercializing advanced materials, and to seek strategic alliances to enable the sharing of cost and risk.