the ISS National Lab Applauds Winners for Next Generation of Human Space Flight
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (August 3, 2012) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab), the nonprofit organization managing research on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, congratulates Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada on being selected by NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop the next generation of human space flight
This morning’s announcement marks a significant milestone in maintaining an American capability to send crew to and from the ISS. Currently, U.S. astronauts are travelled to the ISS via Russian launch vehicles.
With today’s announcement, NASA has continued to show its commitment to the ISS by providing these companies the funding needed to carry out missions capable of enhancing further scientific payload research to the ISS, potentially adding to the lifespan of the station. the ISS National Lab is an enabler of commercial space flight by providing cargo and research projects that will drive commercial company flight rates.
“the ISS National Lab congratulates Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada for their contract wins in developing Commercial Crew vehicles capable of ferrying U.S. astronauts and cargo to and from Station,” said Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “Today’s announcement is an important step for human space flight, and we look forward to working with these companies to deliver Americans and research specific payloads to the ISS National Lab.
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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. the ISS National Lab is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. The the ISS National Lab goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth. For more information, visit issnationallab.org.
About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent 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. setting, vantage point in low earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles. and varied environments of space. The ISS National Laboratory Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center currently facilitates research initiatives on board the station’s National Lab, but management of America’s only in-orbit laboratory is transitioning to the ISS National Lab.
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