Advancing humanity's ability to live and work in space
As the world's leading launch service provider, SpaceX enables researchers the opportunity to frequently fly critical science to orbit on the Dragon spacecraft, which has carried over 1,000 research experiments to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station since 2012.
Reducing in-flight health risks
Conducting research to understand mental and physical impacts while on-orbit
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Exploring how a digital realm can improve training, physical fitness, and mental wellbeing
Medical Care and Training
Advancing available medical care with exploration of just-in-time training and tools
SpaceX is looking for exceptional science and research ideas that will enable life in space and on other planets. Research proposals submitted to SpaceX will be reviewed and evaluated based on mission objectives, scientific and technical merit, and feasibility.
Submit Proposal
Submit your research idea to SpaceX
Complete Research Plan
Accepted ideas will be invited to submit a detailed plan
Development
SpaceX and selected teams work to identify mission opportunities and ready experiments
Certification & Crew Training
Certify hardware for flight, train crews, and collect baseline data
Launch!
SpaceX will work closely with research teams while experiments are on-orbit
Return
Unload experiments for immediate analysis, review, and data collection
Current Research Opportunities
SpaceX is currently evaluating research proposals for Dragon human spaceflight missions on the following two categories:
Exploration-Focused Research
Crew-focused studies to understand the changes to humans in space or to assess tools that enhance health or well-being during long-duration missions. Specific areas of focus include expanding medical capabilities, efficient exercise and fitness solutions, and virtual or augmented reality as a multipurpose tool.
Scientific Payloads
Autonomous or crew-facilitated payloads designed for integration aboard future human spaceflight or cargo missions.