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Technology Demonstrations
Technology Demonstrations ONBOARD THE ISS NATIONAL LAB
Space-based technology development and demonstrations not only enable technology advancements not attainable on Earth, but also pave the way for advanced R&D onboard future space platforms.
At a Glance
The unique facilities onboard the ISSInternational Space Station enable disruptive technological advancements for both Earth and space use over a wide range of industries.
The ISS allows users to address hardware product development gaps, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology proliferation.
The unique vantage point of the ISS is critical for technology demonstrations of advanced communications systems and sensors that can enhance life on Earth.
The ISS enables disruptive technological innovations in computing, electronics, robotics, and hardware prototyping.
Microgravity-enabled material production capabilities and advanced manufacturing facilities are demonstrating scientific and commercial merit for Earth benefit.
The ISS provides a low risk, controlled environment to prove out technologies in a relevant space environment. This is often the last stages of product development (the highest 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.) and the most difficult to test. The ISS provides a variety of facilities to demonstrate prototypes and final products across diverse industries both inside and outside the station. This gives the most relevant testing conditions while still maintaining some supervision and control over the hardware.
Examples of space-based technology demonstration investigations to improve life on Earth include:
Imaging and Sensors:
The ISS National Lab is a powerful platform for the imaging of Earth and space. It is equally well suited to support the demonstration and optimization of new remote sensing or space domain awareness technologies, such as advanced sensors (e.g., hyperspectral and thermal sensor technologies) with near-term potential for use in commercial applications or as humanitarian decision support tools.
Satellites and Spacecraft:
As a deployment platform and permanently crewed vehicle 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., the ISS supports a variety of satellite testing and demonstration initiatives for research, communications, and Earth-observation purposes. Testing of individual components, such as advanced computing technologies, is also possible onboard the ISS National Lab. Moreover, testing of larger spacecraft for improved reliability in navigation and re-entry of transport vehicles will support the future commercialization of low Earth orbit by expanding the delivery and return capabilities available to commercial users of space-based platforms.
Communication:
Advanced communications technologies are critical not only for the exploration and pioneering of space, but also for the advancement of terrestrial markets. Advances in global positioning systems for navigation and timing, smart devices, and terrestrial connectivity devices for worldwide internet access all require technologies developed for space to improve bandwidth and signal processing capabilities. For example, space-based R&D in laser communications holds great promise for enabling deep space communication and expanding broadband on Earth while space-based quantum communications provide enhanced data security.
In-Orbit Manufacturing:
In addition to studying materials in space, the production of certain materials via space-based manufacturing may be a viable commercial option for some sectors. For example, quality and performance are greatly improved for optical fibers that are manufactured 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.. This provides a competitive advantage that may balance the long-term cost of space-based production—particularly if the commercialization of low Earth orbit continues to improve the availability and affordability of R&D onboard spaceflight platforms. Moreover, space-based additive manufacturing may be a valuable tool for in-space manufacturing and processing.
Enabling technologies:
The use of the ISS National Lab to demonstrate the utility and success of new spaceflight technologies for innovative R&D not only maximizes utilization of the ISS but also paves the way for next-generation space platforms enabling more advanced R&D. This will help in-orbit research keep pace with terrestrial technology advancements in laboratory equipment and capabilities.
The unique facilities onboard the ISS enable disruptive technological advancements across various industries, allowing users to address product development gaps, demonstrate advanced communications systems, and innovate in computing, electronics, robotics, and manufacturing, all within a controlled space environment.
Examples of recent technologydemonstration investigations onboard the ISS National Lab include:
A company demonstrated a hyperspectral imaging technology that can monitor pipeline leaks from low Earth orbit.
A project used AI-driven acoustic sensing to demonstrate the ability to diagnose anomalies in spacecraft.
A company tested a technology for in-space refueling of liquid propellants using a collapsable fuel tank.
