Mandate: Investigate fundamental physical phenomena in space, including radiation environments, microgravity effects, plasma physics, and the search for new celestial resources. This is pure scientific inquiry.

Sub-Task Forces:

• - Radiation Effects & Shielding Research Unit: Studies the impact of cosmic and solar radiation on materials, electronics, and biological systems, seeking fundamental ways to mitigate these effects.

• - Microgravity Science Group: Conducts experiments and theoretical studies on fluid dynamics, combustion, materials processing, and biological processes in microgravity to understand underlying scientific principles.

• - Plasma Physics & Propulsion Theory Team: Explores advanced plasma physics concepts for potential breakthrough propulsion technologies, well before engineering feasibility studies.

• - Exoplanet & Astrobiology Research Unit: Focused on fundamental research in astrobiology, identifying potential habitable exoplanets, and studying extremophiles for insights into life in harsh environments.

• Mandate: Conduct fundamental research into novel materials at the atomic and molecular level, seeking new properties and understanding their behavior under extreme space conditions.
•  
• Sub-Task Forces:

• - Nanomaterials & Quantum Materials Research Unit: Investigates the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials, quantum dots, and other advanced structures with potential for revolutionary space applications.

• - Extreme Environment Materials Group: Studies how materials behave under intense radiation, extreme temperatures, vacuum, and corrosive environments to discover fundamental limits and new resilient compositions.

• - Self-Healing & Adaptive Materials Team: Researches materials with inherent self-repairing capabilities or those that can adapt their properties in response to environmental changes.

Mandate: Conduct scientific investigations of lunar and planetary geology, mineralogy, and resource formation to deeply understand the potential for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and planetary evolution.

• Sub-Task Forces:

• - Lunar Regolith & Volatiles Research Unit: Characterizes lunar regolith properties, composition, and the distribution and state of water ice and other volatiles.

• - Planetary Mineralogy & Geochemistry Group: Analyzes the mineralogical and chemical composition of extraterrestrial samples and remote sensing data to identify resource deposits and understand planetary formation.

• - Space Weathering & Surface Processes Team: Studies the effects of solar wind, cosmic rays, and micrometeoroids on planetary surfaces, influencing resource availability and material degradation.

Mandate: Conduct fundamental biological and medical research to understand human adaptation to space and develop closed-loop biological systems for long-duration missions.

• Sub-Task Forces:

• - Human Physiology in Space Research Unit: Studies the long-term effects of microgravity, radiation, and altered circadian rhythms on human physiology, bone density, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular health. This includes research relevant to space suits and their impact on astronaut health and performance.

• - Bio-Regenerative Life Support Systems Group: Researches the scientific principles behind growing food, recycling waste, and generating oxygen using biological processes in closed environments.

• - Astro-Immunology & Microbiology Team: Investigates the impact of spaceflight on the human immune system and the behavior of microorganisms in extraterrestrial environments.