The ISS National Lab Testifies at Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness Hearing
Washington, D.C. (June 7, 2018) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) testified yesterday at the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Science & Transportation hearing entitled Examining the Future of the International Space Station: Stakeholder Perspectives. This was the second in a series of hearings convened by Chairman Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). The hearing examined the role of the International Space Station (ISS), its value to America’s space program, and our future 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). The ISS National Lab Director of Commercial Innovation and Sponsored Programs Cynthia Bouthot (written testimony), represented the organization.
The ISS National Lab is charged with brokering and managing research on the ISS U.S. National Laboratory from the commercial, government, and academic sectors. It is working to create a new marketplace in LEO and generate demand from new-to-space users. The ISS National Lab works with Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Procter & Gamble, and Merck; nonprofit organizations including the Houston Methodist Research Hospital and the Michael J. Fox Foundation; and esteemed academic institutions such as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Through its role as manager of the ISS National Lab, 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). is enabling access and opportunity to 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 aboard the orbiting laboratory.
To date, the ISS National Lab-selected ISS National Lab research portfolio is projected to generate more than $900 million in incremental revenue, serve a total addressable market of over $110 billion, and support the creation of thousands of new direct and supply chain jobs across the country. The organization has flown more than 200 payloads (since fiscal year 2013) and has 88 payloads presently manifested in the queue.
During her oral testimony, Bouthot commented, “We understand that commercialization is imminent, and we are fully supporting this process. However, to achieve this goal, enough time must be given both for a smooth transition and for the nation to realize the return on the investment to the American taxpayer.”
The full hearing proceedings are available below:
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=CE32B6FB-4439-4290-B18D-D8EF9565E99B
To learn more about the capabilities of the ISS National Lab, including past research initiatives and available facilities, visit issnationallab.org.
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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) is the non-profit organization selected to manage the ISS National Laboratory with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, the ISS National Lab promotes and brokers a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development, and education.
Since 2011, the ISS National Lab portfolio has included hundreds of novel research projects spanning multiple scientific disciplines, all with the intention of benefitting life on Earth. Working together with NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, the ISS National Lab aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation.
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, and varied environments of space.