CASIS Releases International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory 2020 Annual Report

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), January 14, 2021 –The Center for the 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).) has released the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) U.S. National Laboratory 2020 Annual Report. The report is intended to educate the public on ISS National Lab highlights and accomplishments from the 2020 fiscal year (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020). The report includes an updated look at future directions that will be instrumental in bringing value to our nation through space-based research and technology development and will drive a robust, sustainable, and scalable market 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. (LEO). CASIS is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing the ISS National Lab through a Cooperative AgreementA cooperative agreement is Federal assistance that establishes a relationship between the U.S. Government and a recipient in which the principal purpose of the relationship is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation.  Since 2011, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) has managed the National Laboratory® through a Cooperative Agreement with NASA. with NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The ISS National Lab’s vision is to be the Center of Excellence advancing U.S. leadership in commercial space, fostering science and innovation 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 inspiring the next generation. Highlights within the 2020 Annual Report that showcase how the ISS National Lab is fulfilling its mission to the American taxpayer include the following:

• A record 27 journal articles this year detailed results from ISS National Lab investigations.
• CASIS collaborations with the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation continued, with a total of 10 solicitations jointly issued over the past four years and more than $40 million in funding from these partners awarded to 37 projects.
• CASIS grants this year were matched at a ratio of 1:12 by committed funding from third-party sponsors and the awarded institutions.
• In-orbit activities this year included investigations from Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, small high-tech startups, and many others—also reflecting a diversity of funding sponsors.
• The 9^th annual ISS Research and Development Conference, albeit virtual, reached record attendance.

The 2020 Annual Report is now available online at issnationallab.org/ar2020/.

Media Contact:       
Patrick O’Neill
904-806-0035
PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

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About the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Lab allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit issnationallab.org

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