July 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?
Crew members on station joined ISSRDC(Abbreviation: ISSRDC) The only conference dedicated exclusively to showcasing how the International Space Station is advancing science and technology and enabling a robust and sustainable market in LEO. This annual conference brings together leaders from the commercial sector, U.S. government agencies, and academic communities to foster innovation and discovery onboard the space station. ISSRDC is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, manager of the ISS National Lab; NASA; and the American Astronautical Society. attendees live via downlink to discuss their daily routines,
The ISS National Lab hosted two subject matter expert workshops at ISSRDC.
One workshop focused on in-space production applications(Abbreviation: InSPA) InSPA is an applied research and development program sponsored by NASA and the ISS National Lab aimed at demonstrating space-based manufacturing and production activities by using the unique space environment to develop, test, or mature products and processes that could have an economic impact. in advanced materials and manufacturing. The other workshop explored the intersection of biomanufacturing in space, Earth regulations, and workforce development.
Several exciting sessions are taking place on Days 2 and 3 of ISSRDC.
Jim Free, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration associate administrator, will give a keynote address on the critical importance of the ISSInternational Space Station and 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. economy. Capital market leaders will discuss the “path forward” in space investment during a plenary session. And a dynamic panel will discuss the significance of building a strong and diverse space industry workforce.
The ISS National Lab held a webinar for media highlighting research launching on NG-21.
Investigators leading projects sponsored by NASA and the ISS National Lab, including some funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, participated in the pre-launch webinar for NG-21, slated for launch in early August.
Partner News
SpaceX is developing a vehicle to deorbit the ISS when the time comes. SpaceX’s U.S. Deorbit Vehicle will pull down the space station for a controlled demise in the Pacific Ocean. The ISS is currently planned to operate through 2030, but NASA stated it could remain in orbit longer, particularly if commercial space stations are not yet available.
NASA’s oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, will launch to the ISS for the fourth time. Pettit, who is 69, will fly on the Roscosmos-led Soyuz MS-26 mission, slated to launch in September, for a six-month stay on station.
Leidos was awarded a contract to continue supporting NASA cargo missions. The contract, with a total potential value of $476 million, will allow Leidos to continue to provide engineering and integration services for NASA’s International Space Station Program and Artemis campaign.
Redwire will provide additional ROSA wings for Thales Alenia Space satellites. Redwire Corporation secured a follow-on order to develop additional Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) wings for Alenia Space’s Space Inspire, the company’s newest line of geostationary telecommunications satellites.
Funding Opportunities
The deadline for the ISS National Lab technology development solicitation was extended. The ISS National Lab is seeking projects that leverage the ISS to develop, test, or mature products and processes with a demonstrated potential to produce near-term positive economic impact. The concept summary submission deadline was extended to August 5. Full details here.
The annual Technology in Space PrizeA prize that provides grant funding for business startups participating in the MassChallenge startup accelerator program to conduct innovative research and technology development utilizing the ISS National Lab. The prize is funded by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, which manages the ISS National Lab, and Boeing. is accepting submissions from startups. The prize, funded by CASIS(Abbreviation: CASIS™) The nonprofit organization that manages the ISS National Lab, which receives at least 50 percent of the U.S. research allocation on the International Space Station to facilitate research that benefits humanity (NASA manages the other 50% and focuses on research for space exploration purposes). and Boeing, provides grant funding for innovative R&D on the ISS and is open to startups participating in the MassChallenge startup accelerator program. The deadline to submit concept summaries is August 21.
Results
The latest issue of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab, is online. Explore valuable findings from space-based R&D—download the current and past issues here.
Orbit Fab is ready to launch its commercial in-orbit refueling technology to space. Orbit Fab successfully completed testing of its automated GRIP refueling mechanism that connects to satellites and spacecraft with the company’s RAFTI fuel port installed. Learn more about Orbit Fab’s Gas Stations in Space™ in the Upward feature “Fueling the Low Earth Orbit Economy.”
The next issue of Upward will focus on successful results from fundamental science on station. Stay tuned to see how researchers leveraged the ISS to advance critical science that will benefit people on Earth. Sign up here to receive notifications about new Upward issues.
Workforce Development and STEM Education
The ISS National Lab partnered with ASGSR to host a webinar for college students. The ASGSR Student Webinar Series allows undergraduate and graduate students to learn about space-related careers.
ARISS hosted four events where students talked to ISS astronauts live via Ham radio. Students in Japan, Canada, and Argentina asked crew members questions about the research they work on and what it’s like to live in space. Learn more about ARISS and other ISS National Lab educational partner programs on the Space Station Explorers webpage.
ISS crew members worked on a project to expand capabilities for the Genes in SpaceAn annual national research competition for students in grades 7 through 12 to design pioneering biotechnology experiments that are conducted by astronauts on the space station. The program is funded by Boeing and miniPCR bio and supported by the ISS National Laboratory® and New England BioLabs. student competition. Currently, samples are launched to the ISS for Genes in Space projects. However, Boeing’s investigation aims to collect samples from the ISS water recovery system and use Genes in Space tools to analyze the samples in orbit. This could enable future student projects to collect samples in orbit rather than launching them.
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