New User Workshop Highlights Day 1 of 2017 ISSR&D Conference

kate rubins issrdc2017 new user workshop
NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins poses for a photo with a conference attendee.

NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins poses for a photo with a conference attendee.

On Monday, the “ISS Opportunity Workshop for New and Future Users” provided a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the exciting research taking place on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory. The workshop was designed to help new users navigate the many conference options available throughout the week in order to maximize their conference experience. In addition, the panel emphasized the importance of making connections and networking to accelerate individual projects toward space-based research and development.

the ISS National Lab Director of Innovation and Sponsored Programs Cindy Bouthot presents at New User Workshop on Day 1 of 2017 ISSR&D Conference.

the ISS National Lab Director of Innovation and Sponsored Programs Cindy Bouthot presents at New User Workshop on Day 1 of 2017 ISSR&D Conference.

The panel was chaired by U.S. Astronaut Kate Rubins, ISS Deputy Chief Scientist Kirt Costello, NASA, and Director of Innovation and Sponsored Programs Cindy Bouthot, the ISS National Lab. Rubins shared highlights of her research and experience onboard the ISS and fielded audience questions on various subjects, including how experiments are conducted in microgravity and what happens to the human body in space.

NASA ISS Deputy Chief Scientist Kirt Costello presents at New User Workshop on Day 1 of 2017 ISSR&D Conference.

NASA ISS Deputy Chief Scientist Kirt Costello presents at New User Workshop on Day 1 of 2017 ISSR&D Conference.

Bouthot and Costello discussed the unique aspects of the ISS U.S. National Lab and answered some of the big questions new users might have about research in space, such as, why are we there? The short answer: the ISS provides a unique environment that includes extreme conditions, microgravity that persists for a long time, and a unique vantage point. This singular environment is an ideal setting to pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, but that will ultimately benefit human life here on the ground.

NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins discusses research capabilities available on ISS during New User Workshop as captive audience looks on.

NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins discusses research capabilities available on ISS during New User Workshop as captive audience looks on.

Throughout the week new (and familiar) users are encouraged to engage in discussions with experts in the areas of life sciences, physical sciences, technology development, remote sensing, and education. Attendees of the ISSR&D conference are invited to learn about the exciting projects that are already taking place on the ISS U.S. National Lab and begin the exhilarating process of launching research into space!