Successful SpaceX Launch Leads Way for Future ISS Opportunities
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (May 22, 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, would like to congratulate SpaceX on the achieving a significant milestone today with the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule, both heading to the ISS to attempt a docking demonstration for NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Transportation of commercial cargo to and from the ISS is key to the sustainability of the U.S. Space program. With this most recent successful SpaceX launch, and the anticipated Dragon docking demonstration at the ISS in the coming week, the ISS National Lab looks forward to working with SpaceX to deliver research payloads to the ISS National Lab in the near future.
Currently, there are 24 manifested payload flight/transport opportunities scheduled to fly payloads to the ISS between 2012 and 2013. the ISS National Lab has access to 50% of all NASA’s currently manifested up-mass allocation on all vehicles provided by our international partners and private commercial companies, like SpaceX. the ISS National Lab payloads will facilitate extraordinary R&D innovations through utilization of the unparalleled research platform of the ISS.
“We would like to congratulate SpaceX on a wonderfully executed launch today,” said the ISS National Lab Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “This launch acts as a pathfinder for the continuing success and innovation of the U.S. Space Program and we look forward working with SpaceX to deliver groundbreaking research to the U.S. National Lab.”
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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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