The ISS National Lab Signs Deal with COBRA PUMA GOLF for Research on ISS

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (June 27, 2012) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with COBRA PUMA GOLF^TM to carry out materials research projects on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory for use in its sporting goods products line.

Through ISS-hosted research and development, COBRA PUMA GOLF will conduct research on materials aimed at enhancing its products. Composite materials play a critical role in the golf industry, where lightweight and high strength – yet elastic – properties are desirable. On Earth, gravity can cause irregularities during material manufacturing, which affect certain properties of materials. The 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. environment provides a research platform where gravity effects are no longer present, allowing researchers to understand chemical and thermodynamic processes to selectively tailor new material properties.

COBRA PUMA GOLF already benefits from alloys and composites developed in the aerospace industry and has been wanting to get directly involved in space research to design, create, test and use advanced materials.

“COBRA Golf is thrilled at the chance to conduct research and development on the ISS National Laboratory,” said Tom Preece, Vice President, Research and Development for COBRA Golf. “Through our association with the ISS National Lab and the Station, COBRA PUMA GOLF believes we have the opportunity to create the most technologically advanced golf products in the world.”

As a result of the agreement, COBRA PUMA GOLF will become the first company bestowed with the “Space Is In It” endorsement, which will be carried by all COBRA PUMA GOLF products derived from research on Station.

The “Space Is In It” product endorsement will be awarded by the ISS National Lab to select products enhanced by research and development on ISS National Lab. The “Space Is In It” seal (see above) will connect Station science to Americans and American culture by singling out innovative consumer goods that are the result of space research. The seal will increase awareness of the benefits of the ISS National Lab while setting products carrying it apart from their competition.

Under the agreement, COBRA PUMA GOLF and the ISS National Lab will work together to research and test materials and technology. The plan also commits the partnership to use the research to encourage children to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM education), combining the science of golf with the world’s ultimate classroom; the International Space Station. The first stage of the partnership was a golf and science summer camp pilot project for underprivileged children held in Port St. Lucie, FL, last week. At the camp the children learned golf and were taught about the role science conducted on the ISS National Lab can play to enhance life on Earth.

“Today’s Memorandum of Agreement with COBRA PUMA GOLF signifies a tremendous win. In addition to the MOA, our belief is that this partnership will also set in motion new prospects interested in developing their cutting edge, high-tech products on the ISS.” said Jim Royston, Interim Executive Director for the ISS National Lab. “The ‘Space Is In It’ emblem creates yet another avenue for the ISS National Lab to connect with businesses and Americans alike while demonstrating the benefits of conducting science in space.”

# # #

About the ISS National Lab: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) was selected by NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. the ISS National Lab promotes and manages research on the ISS National Lab. The organization 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 microgravity 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.

About COBRA PUMA GOLF: COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA North America and combines two strong brands that provide a full range of offerings to the golf industry. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles who enjoy the game. The portfolio includes COBRA Golf’s high performance drivers, fairways, hybrids and irons, as well as PUMA Golf’s sport and lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories for both men and women. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. COBRA PUMA GOLF is a part of PUMA SE, one of the world’s leading sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories.  For more information, visit puma.com/golf and cobragolf.com.

About The “Space Is In It”: The “Space Is In It” product endorsement is awarded by the ISS National Lab to select products enhanced by research and development on ISS National Lab. The “Space Is In It” seal communicates to consumers that the product is made of materials that have been researched, developed, tested and/or used in the U.S. National Lab on board the International Space Station (ISS). The Seal is a symbol of the technological superiority that scientific testing in the extremes of space can produce. It is verified by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab), the manager of the ISS U.S. National Lab. Consumers can look for the “Space Is In It” seal on all advanced products and technologies developed in the unparalleled microgravity research environment of space.

# # #