Former NASA Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly to Join Panel with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta at the International Space Station Research and Development Conference
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (May 19, 2016) – The International Space Station Research and Development Conference(Abbreviation: ISSRDC) The only conference dedicated exclusively to showcasing how the International Space Station is advancing science and technology and enabling a robust and sustainable market in LEO. This annual conference brings together leaders from the commercial sector, U.S. government agencies, and academic communities to foster innovation and discovery onboard the space station. ISSRDC is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, manager of the ISS National Lab; NASA; and the American Astronautical Society. (ISSInternational Space Station R&D) is proud to announce former NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly will join Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent for CNN, for an interactive panel discussion at its 5th annual meeting at the San Diego Town and Country Resort & Convention Center from July 12-14, 2016. The ISS R&D Conference was created to connect commercial and academic communities involved in new innovations, breakthroughs, and discoveries onboard humankind’s unique orbiting laboratory. This event is held in coordination with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab), the American Astronautical Society (AAS), and NASA.
Mark Kelly (Captain, USN, Ret.) is a decorated astronaut who has logged approximately 54 days in space over the span of four separate shuttle missions. Scott Kelly (Captain, USN, Ret.) recently returned from 340 days onboard the ISS, the longest continuous stay of any American astronaut 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.. While at ISS R&D, the Kelly brothers will join Dr. Gupta to discuss their time in microgravity and how the human condition changes while onboard the station. In particular, Dr. Gupta will focus on the Twins Study, through which NASA intends to better understand human physiology as they prepare for the Journey to Mars, and how those discoveries onboard the ISS can improve life on Earth. To assist in the discussion on the Twins Study, Scott Kelly’s flight surgeon, Dr. Stevan Gilmore, will join the panel discussion. Additionally, Twins Study investigator Dr. Andrew Feinberg (John’s Hopkins University) also intends to join the conversation and summarize his research on the brothers.
“This conference is incredibly fortunate to have two national heroes present to discuss their time in space,” said the ISS National Lab Director of Marketing and Communications Brian Talbot. “To have both Kelly brothers join Dr. Gupta at ISS R&D will provide great insight into the human condition as it evolves on the space station. Additionally, it will allow viewers to better understand the types of investigations both brothers participated in as NASA prepares for its journey to Mars.”
the ISS National Lab and NASA leadership will also present new opportunities that the ISS can bring to researchers from a variety of scientific disciplines and backgrounds. Current ISS users from across a wide spectrum of commercial and academic entities will have the opportunity to present their findings at the conference.
Registration for the 2016 conference is now open. To learn more about ISS R&D 2016, including how to register, please visit: http://www.issconference.org/
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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. 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.
About AAS: The American Astronautical Society is America’s premier network of space professionals, technical and non-technical, dedicated to advancing all space activities. The Society, founded in 1954, is committed to strengthening the nation’s space programs, inspiring the next generation of space professionals and expanding cooperation with international space organizations.