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Research Areas
SPACEFLIGHT R&D SPANS MANY DISCIPLINES
The ISSInternational Space Station National Lab supports non-exploration research initiatives across various disciplines and sectors.
R&D onboard the ISS National Lab offers an unparalleled opportunity to investigate how gravity and the extreme environment of space influence observations in the physical and life sciences—exploiting these effects to understand basic phenomena and advance commercial pursuits.
This dynamic platform to better understand life on Earth orbits approximately 250 miles (400 km) above its surface. R&D onboard the ISS National Lab may provide insight into research questions that have eluded traditional laboratory experimentation in the fields of human health, biosciences and biotechnology, energy and biofuels, physical and materials science, engineering research and technology, and Earth and space imaging and observations.
Research in space is advancing R&D on the ground that will define tomorrow’s world.
ISS National Lab investigations fall into five broad categories:
Fundamental Science
Peer-reviewed science that will lead to discoveries or advance our current understanding or knowledge in various scientific disciplines through the use of 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., the extreme environments of space, or the unique vantage point of the ISS. Economic output from results is not required. Research in this area includes both life and physical sciences.
In-Space Production Applications
LEO-based applied R&D microgravity applications seeking to demonstrate space-based manufacturing and production activities that enable new business growth and capital investment, represent scalable and sustainable market opportunities, and produce reoccurring value with the potential to generate demand for and revenue from access to space. Research in this area includes advanced materials and manufacturing, fluid dynamics, crystal growth, and more.
Technology Development & Manufacturing
Applied R&D, translational science, technology readiness level(Abbreviation: TRL) A measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. There are nine technology readiness levels, and technology progresses from TRL 1 to TRL 9. maturation, and technology demonstration to improve products and/or processes that will produce positive economic impact. All projects with an expressed commercial purpose or intent are included. Most of these will be sourced and/or serviced by Implementation Partners. Research in this area includes Earth observation, materials testing, including testing in harsh conditions, and technology for spaceflight.
STEM Education & Workforce Development
Programs, projects, and public-private partnerships that leverage the ISS and space-based research to advance U.S. leadership in space-based R&D and industry-related workforce development. These programs, projects, and partnerships will engage K-12 students and enhance higher education to promote diversity and outreach into underrepresented demographics.
An additional category focuses on the individuals, companies, partners, and organizations that guide, support, and execute ISS National Lab Investigations:
Commercial Service Provider Utilization
An allocation of ISS National Lab crew time and upmass resources that will be utilized by Commercial Service Providers to promote, enable, and facilitate their respective commercial demand-generation efforts, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the broader LEO(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. market economy. Learn how to become and Implementation Partner(Abbreviation: IP) Commercial companies that work with the ISS National Lab to provide services related to payload development, including the translation of ground-based science to a space-based platform., explore the Implementation Partner Database, missions/launches, and delve into the kinds of research supported on station with the ISS Research Facilities Directory.