The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has officially opened applications for the 7th annual Spaceflight Technology, Applications, and Research (STAR-7) Program, a prestigious virtual professional development initiative designed to prepare researchers for conducting biological experiments in space.

The STAR Program is one of NASA’s flagship educational initiatives in the field of space biosciences, helping experienced researchers transition into space-based biological research by providing comprehensive training on designing, planning, and implementing experiments aboard NASA and commercial spaceflight platforms.

Running from September 2026 through February 2027, the STAR-7 Program offers participants direct exposure to NASA experts, experienced spaceflight investigators, technology developers, and commercial space providers—all without requiring travel.

Most importantly, participation is completely free, making this an exceptional opportunity for qualified researchers around the world who aspire to contribute to the future of biological research in space.

What is the NASA STAR Program?

Spaceflight Technology, Applications, and Research (STAR) is an annual virtual NASA training programme dedicated to advancing the field of space biosciences.

The programme is specifically designed to prepare experienced researchers for conducting biological experiments under spaceflight conditions. Participants gain practical knowledge about the scientific principles, operational requirements, technological tools, and logistical considerations necessary for successful research missions conducted aboard spacecraft and orbital platforms.

Unlike traditional academic courses, STAR focuses on real-world applications of space biology, allowing participants to understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with conducting scientific investigations beyond Earth.

Since its launch in 2020, the programme has trained multiple cohorts of researchers and has established itself as one of NASA’s premier educational initiatives for future space bioscience investigators.

Programme Objectives

NASA developed the STAR Programme to achieve several important goals, including:

• Train principal investigators, senior researchers, and postdoctoral scholars in space biosciences.
• Introduce researchers to available NASA and commercial spaceflight research platforms.
• Educate participants on designing successful biological experiments for space environments.
• Increase awareness of available technologies and flight hardware.
• Foster collaborations between new researchers and experienced NASA-funded investigators.
• Build interdisciplinary research teams capable of advancing space biology.

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the six-month virtual programme, participants receive comprehensive instruction covering numerous aspects of space biological research.

Topics include:

• Fundamental principles of space biosciences
• Biology experiments conducted in microgravity
• Spaceflight hardware and research technologies
• Designing biological experiments for space missions
• Technical requirements for conducting spaceflight research
• Logistical planning for experiments aboard spacecraft
• Scientific opportunities available through NASA
• Commercial spaceflight research platforms
• Experimental limitations in space environments
• Flight mission preparation
• Collaboration strategies within the international space biology community

The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical insights from scientists who have successfully completed spaceflight experiments.

Learn Directly from NASA Experts

One of the most valuable aspects of the STAR Programme is direct interaction with professionals actively working within NASA’s space biosciences ecosystem.

Participants have opportunities to engage with:

• NASA programme scientists
• Experienced principal investigators
• Space biology researchers
• Technology developers
• Commercial flight providers
• Researchers who have previously conducted spaceflight experiments

These interactions provide valuable insights into planning, funding, collaboration, and executing research missions in space.

Build an International Research Network

Beyond technical education, STAR places a strong emphasis on community building.

Participants become part of a growing international network of researchers interested in biological sciences conducted in space.

Networking opportunities include:

• Collaborating with researchers from different scientific disciplines
• Connecting with experienced NASA investigators
• Meeting commercial spaceflight partners
• Establishing future interdisciplinary research teams
• Learning about future funding opportunities
• Sharing ideas and research interests with peers worldwide

This collaborative environment has become one of the programme’s defining strengths.

Who Can Apply?

NASA welcomes applications from qualified individuals worldwide.

Eligible applicants include researchers affiliated with:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Commercial organizations
• NASA Centers
• Government agencies
• International organizations

The programme particularly encourages participation from researchers affiliated with countries that are signatories to the Artemis Accords.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an advanced degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent qualification).
• Be a Principal Investigator, Senior Research Scientist, or Postdoctoral Scholar.
• Postdoctoral applicants must include a letter of reference from their supervisor.

The programme is not currently open to undergraduate or graduate students.

NASA notes that future complementary programmes may be developed specifically for students.

Course Format

The STAR Programme has been intentionally designed to maximize accessibility for researchers across the globe.

Programme features include:

• Fully virtual delivery
• No travel required
• Free participation
• International accessibility
• Interactive online sessions
• Expert-led lectures
• Networking opportunities
• Collaborative discussions

Because the course is conducted entirely online, participants can engage from anywhere in the world.

Course Timeline

Applications Open:
Currently Open

Application Deadline:
31 July 2026

Participant Selection:
August 2026

Course Duration:
September 2026 – February 2027

Why Researchers Should Apply

The STAR Programme offers several significant advantages for scientists seeking to enter the rapidly growing field of space biology.

Benefits include:

• Free NASA professional training
• Direct learning from NASA experts
• Practical understanding of spaceflight experiments
• Exposure to cutting-edge biological research
• Networking with international researchers
• Collaboration opportunities with experienced investigators
• Insights into NASA research opportunities
• Understanding commercial space research platforms
• Preparation for future biological space missions
• Enhanced research career development

Feedback from Previous Participants

Researchers who have completed previous STAR cohorts consistently highlight the programme’s educational value and collaborative environment.

Participants have praised STAR for:

• Providing an excellent introduction to space biosciences.
• Helping researchers understand NASA’s research ecosystem.
• Building interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Offering valuable networking opportunities.
• Explaining the practical realities of conducting experiments in space.
• Preparing scientists to participate in future spaceflight research.

Many alumni now work within NASA programmes, universities, national laboratories, and leading research institutions.

STAR Programme Organizers

The programme is led by distinguished NASA experts.

Dr. Ursula Koniges (NASA Headquarters)

Deputy Program Scientist for Translational Research at NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division.

Dr. Christina “CJ” Johnson (NASA Ames Research Center)

Chief of Space Biosciences Research and Deputy Center Lead for the Human Research Program.

Together, they oversee the STAR Programme and guide its scientific and educational direction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the programme free?

Yes. Participation is completely free.

Is travel required?

No. The programme is entirely virtual.

Does NASA provide funding?

No participant funding is provided because there are no travel or participation costs. However, participants learn about future funding and collaboration opportunities throughout the programme.

Can undergraduate or graduate students apply?

No. The programme currently targets Principal Investigators, Senior Researchers, and Postdoctoral Scholars.

How are participants selected?

Applications submitted through NASA’s NSPIRES system are reviewed by the STAR organisation team according to NASA policies. Successful applicants will receive notification through NSPIRES.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As biological research increasingly expands beyond Earth’s atmosphere, researchers with expertise in designing experiments for spaceflight are becoming more valuable than ever.

NASA’s STAR Programme provides an accessible pathway for experienced scientists to enter this exciting field by combining world-class instruction, expert mentorship, practical guidance, and global networking.

For researchers interested in understanding how biology behaves in space and contributing to future scientific discoveries aboard orbital platforms and beyond, STAR-7 represents one of the most comprehensive professional development opportunities currently available.

Learn More & Apply

Researchers meeting the eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before 31 July 2026.

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the NASA STAR-7 Program 2026.

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