the ISS National Lab Salutes SpaceX on Dragon’s Berth with International Space Station
Cargo Delivery Demonstration a Significant Milestone for Maximizing ISS Use
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (May 25, 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 SpaceX on today’s successful berthing of the Dragon capsule to the ISS.
The success marks a significant milestone in bringing ISS cargo delivery and return capabilities back to the U.S. Currently, U.S. cargo is delivered to the ISS via Russian, European and Japanese launch vehicles.
Unlike other vehicles, Dragon offers not just the ability to make ISS deliveries but also to safely return significant amounts of cargo to Earth – a key to maximizing research on the ISS, which is the ISS National Lab’ ultimate goal. Once NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration has formally approved Dragon to make regular resupply flights to the ISS, the ISS National Lab will work with the company to ferry cutting edge research payloads to and from the National Lab.
A major component of the next-generation U.S. Space Program will include the groundbreaking research that will take place on board the ISS, an unparalleled scientific platform with unique environments that when harnessed in research can enable the development of new products and technologies to benefit life on Earth.
“We saw history made today with the successful arrival of Dragon on Station,” said the ISS National Lab Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “We look forward to working with SpaceX to deliver research scientific payloads to the ISS National Lab to further U.S.-based R&D opportunities.”
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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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