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Returning Researcher – Principal Investigator

While new researchers seek general, introductory information and guidance, the returning ISSInternational Space Station National Lab researcher understands the complexities of space-based research. Whether you are seeking out your next research opportunity or about to publish results from your flight project, guidance is available. Regardless of award status, the information below serves as a reminder of how the ISS National Lab and its partners support research to benefit humanity.

Reporting

Make sure your current or past projects are in good standing. Projects that are missing deliverables, such as final reporting or surveys, could impact your ability to secure future funding. You must submit periodic reports to the ISS National Lab as per your contractual agreement. This includes progress reports, a postflight report, a final report, and a survey using the provided templates.

Publication/Distribution of Materials

We are interested in your research, including presentations, publications, patents, or product developments related to your research. We can help co-promote your research to extend its reach. Remember to acknowledge the ISS National Lab in any published materials with the statement: “Research reported in this [publication/press release/web page] was supported by the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory under [award/agreement] number (insert grant number).” Also, remember to verbally acknowledge ISS National Lab support during media interviews.

Outreach

The ISS National Lab’s marketing and outreach team promotes your research to the public and leverages social media to highlight ISS science. Utilize this team for media releases, blogs, magazine features, research videos, interviews, and public events. For publishing external materials, coordinate with the marketing team.

Ask your Operations Project Manager for our communications overview and social media guide. For press releases, contact the marketing department at marcomm@issnationallab.org at least two weeks before release.

Available Hardware and Facilities for your next project

The ISS National Lab can support your research goals, whether it be plant research, advanced materials testing, or a tissue engineering experiment. Explore the ISS Research Facilities Directory.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO CONDUCT RESEARCH THROUGH THE ISS NATIONAL LAB?

RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT

Have a research idea? Look at our current and upcoming opportunities webpage to see which solicitations are open now or are opening soon. View our research areas webpage to see which type of solicitation best fits your idea. You can also browse past ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations on our pipeline webpage.

CONCEPT SUMMARY

Submit a short summary of your concept. Describe the project, why the space environment is needed or beneficial, how it would be set up on the ISS, and the expected impact of the results. Go to our Implementation Partner (IP) database to identify an IP that can help develop your research concept into a spaceflight project and provide facilities and hardware to conduct your research on station.

FULL PROPOSAL

If you are invited to submit a full proposal, review the solicitation instructions and make sure your proposal meets all evaluation criteria. You will also need to include a Statement of Work from your . Be sure look at our helpful resources for applicants while preparing your proposal.

SELECTION FOR AWARD AND
AGREEMENT

If your project is selected for award, you will need to enter into a signed agreement with .

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

You will work with your Implementation Partner (IP) to develop your project. Your IP will guide you through verification and safety testing to ensure your project is spaceflight ready.

LAUNCH

Once your project is spaceflight ready, it will be scheduled to launch to the ISS on one of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services missions. You will coordinate with your IP and CASIS to get your project to Kennedy Space Center and prepare it for launch.

IN-ORBIT OPERATIONS

Crew members on the ISS will carry out operations for your project. Your IP can help coordinate a view of operations or communications with the crew, if needed.

POSTFLIGHT

Once project operations are complete, samples are returned to Earth, if needed. You will need to submit a postflight report summarizing how operations went and if your project objectives were met. Once your analysis is complete, you will need to submit a final report. Successful results may be featured in Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab.

IDEA FOR FOLLOW-UP RESEARCH

Idea for follow-up research: If you have an idea for a follow-up investigation, go back to our current and upcoming opportunities page to find a solicitation that fits your idea.

RESEARCH
ANNOUNCEMENT

CONCEPT
SUMMARY

FULL
PROPOSAL

AWARD
SELECTION AND
AGREEMENT

PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT

LAUNCH

IN-ORBIT
OPERATIONS

POSTFLIGHT

IDEA FOR
FOLLOW-UP
RESEARCH

Scientific Advancements & Results:
Space-based research is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and achieving groundbreaking R&D outcomes that are unattainable on Earth. Sharing these results fosters the growth of the space community and encourages more researchers to consider space as a viable option for addressing their most significant challenges. Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab, disseminates findings from ISS National Lab-sponsored research and technology development (R&D) to the global scientific community. Additionally, ISS National Lab case studies offer comprehensive overviews of unique space-based research projects, providing valuable insights and practical examples for future researchers, science enthusiasts, and prospective investors.