February 2024
Welcome to Space Station Spotlight, a new monthly newsletter from the ISS National Laboratory. Here’s where you can find all the latest R&D happenings on the space station, see what our partners are up to, and learn how you can elevate your research to new heights by leveraging the unique space environment.
What’s new at the ISS National Lab?
Symphony Bio and FluxWorks were collectively awarded more than $630,000 in funding to harness the 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. environment of the space station to further their research and technology development efforts.
In partnership with Nanoracks, a part of Voyager Space’s Exploration segment, space robotic startup GITAI aims to evaluate how well a pair of robotic arms can operate in microgravity.
Partner News
Axiom Space’s latest crew of astronauts returned to Earth. Four private citizens returned to Earth following 22 days in space. Michael López-Alegría (U.S./Spain), Walter Villadei (Italy), Alper Gezeravci (Türkiye), and Marcus Wandt (Sweden) performed more than 30 research experiments while on the ISSInternational Space Station.
NASA’s newest robot surgeon gets to work. Launched on NG-20, NASA’s spaceMIRA robotic surgeon successfully simulated surgical procedures in space. The small robot practiced on rubber bands, which simulated human tissue.
LEO Market Update
The SmallSat Symposium offered investment insights. The recent symposium was a source of valuable conversations and industry updates. Read more on the most recent activities and market outlook in the small satellite sector.
Funding Opportunities
An ISS National Lab research announcement on technology development is now open. Through this opportunity, researchers can propose to use the space station to develop, test, or mature products or processes. Concept summaries are due on March 4, 2024. See full details here.
Results
A Flawless Photonics experiment aims to improve optical fiber manufacturing. The company launched an investigation to validate its own method for manufacturing various glass materials, like ZBLAN optical fiber, in space. Preliminary results indicate that Flawless Photonics has surpassed previous records for continuous fiber draws in space. The fiber will be returned to Earth for analysis.
Workforce Development and STEM Education
The ISS National Lab highlighted women in STEM. Two new Q&A articles provide a behind-the-scenes look at research in space. First, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Kate Rubins detailed what it was like watching heart cells beat in space. Next, Isabel Jiang, the 2023 winner of the Genes in Space™ student research competition, discussed what it’s like to design an experiment to fly to the ISS.
Ham radio celebrates 40 years in space. Ham radio has a storied history in space, dating back to the shuttle program. Its use continues on the ISS, with astronauts making 60 to 100 contacts each year with students across the globe through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. The program celebrated its 40th anniversary at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Feb. 22.
Make a Stellar Impact With a Donation to the ISS National Lab
Want to make an impact and support science in space for the benefit of humanity? Click here to donate online, make a gift of crypto or stock, or contribute through your donor-advised fund.
