May 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?
“Space Explorers: The Infinite,” a traveling VR exhibit produced by Felix & Paul Studios in association with TIME Studios, was created using footage captured on station through an ISSInternational Space Station National Lab-sponsored project.
Catriona Jamieson talked with STAT News about her team’s multiple investigations studying cancer organoids in space.
The 13th annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference(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. will be held in Boston from July 29 to August 1. Register now.
Partner News
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser completed environmental testing. The spaceplane successfully completed rigorous environmental testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility, and preparations are underway to send it to Florida for final testing ahead of launch.
Blue Origin’s New Shephard suborbital vehicle flew crew to space. The reusable suborbital vehicle carried six passengers to space for the first time after a 21-month hiatus.
Funding Opportunities
A new technology development solicitation is now open. The ISS National Lab seeks projects that leverage the ISS to develop, test, or mature products and processes with a demonstrated potential to produce near-term positive economic impact. Concept summaries will be accepted through July 12, 2024. Full details here.
Results
The latest issue of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab, is online. Delve into exciting results from space-based R&D—download the current and past issues here.
ISS testing helped lead to Orbital Sidekick’s commercial satellite success. Read the Upward feature “Sensors, Satellites, and Sidekicks” to see how the small startup leveraged the ISS National Lab to advance its hyperspectral sensor technology that can help find pipeline leaks, assess crop health, and identify wildfire risks.
The BFF successfully bioprinted live human heart tissue on station. Redwire Corporation announced its BioFabrication Facility(Abbreviation: BFF) The BFF is a 3D bioprinter on the ISS capable of printing human tissue from bioinks mixed with living cells. This ISS National Lab commercial facility is owned and operated by Redwire Space. (BFF) 3D printed heart tissue for the first time. Last year, the BFF successfully printed a human meniscus (knee cartilage).
Workforce Development and STEM Education
The 2024 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 finalists were announced. Five student teams were chosen to present their ideas for pioneering DNA research on station at this year’s ISSRDC in Boston.
This year’s Space Station Ambassador award recipients were announced. The ISS National Lab announced two educators receiving the Space Station Explorers Exceptional Educator Award and the Tony So Excellence in Education Award. The educators will be recognized at ISSRDC 2024 later this summer. Learn how to become a Space Station Ambassador.
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.
