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About the ISS National Lab
Science in Space for the Benefit of Humanity
International Space Station: Humankind’s Remarkable Achievement and World-Class Laboratory
For more than 20 years, humans have lived and worked continuously onboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable long-duration exploration into deep space and benefit life here on our planet.
Our Mission:
We manage the premier space laboratory, providing expertise, connection, and inspiration to visionaries.
In an effort to expand the research opportunities of this unparalleled platform, the ISSInternational Space Station was designated as a U.S. National Laboratory in 2005 by Congress, enabling space research and development access to a broad range of commercial, academic, and government users. The ISS National Laboratory® is responsible for managing all non-NASA research, and all investigations require the capacity to utilize microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. for the benefit of humanity. Through the ISS National Lab, this unique space-based research platform is available to U.S. researchers from small companies, research institutions, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and others, all interested in leveraging the space environment to solve complex problems on Earth.
Our Vision
To be the leading source for innovation in space, enabling life-changing benefits for humanity.
In 2011, the Center for Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™(Abbreviation: CASIS™) The nonprofit organization that manages the ISS National Lab, which receives at least 50 percent of the U.S. research allocation on the International Space Station to facilitate research that benefits humanity (NASA manages the other 50% and focuses on research for space exploration purposes).), a nonprofit, non-government organization, was selected as the manager of this incredible research facility, with a focus on enabling a new era of space-based research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, the ISS National Lab is charged with promoting and brokering a diverse range of research, from fundamental science to technology development, in-space production applications(Abbreviation: InSPA) InSPA is an applied research and development program sponsored by NASA and the ISS National Lab aimed at demonstrating space-based manufacturing and production activities by using the unique space environment to develop, test, or mature products and processes that could have an economic impact., and educational outreach and workforce development.
Our Core Values
- Integrity: We always strive to be true to ourselves and do the right thing.
- Service: We work as a team with humility of heart and trust in each other.
- Stewardship: We treasure our responsibility to fulfill our mission with care and excellence.
Since 2011, CASIS has selected hundreds of ISS National Lab-sponsored research projects, from developing new drug therapies to better understanding how cancer forms, creating improved disease models, testing advanced materials and technologies for a wide range of applications, and manufacturing human tissues in space. This research portfolio represents a growing community of researchers taking their scientific dreams beyond the limits of gravity. Working together with NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, the ISS National Lab aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation.