New User Workshop Highlights Day 1 of 2017 ISSR&D Conference
NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration Astronaut Kate Rubins poses for a photo with a conference attendee.
On Monday, the “ISSInternational Space Station 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 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 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. 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.
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.
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!