At the upcoming ASCENDxSummit: Space Science & Technology online event, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) will highlight the many benefits and opportunities that exist through conducting research onboard the International Space Station (ISS). CASIS is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, which enables and supports investigations and technology demonstrations that both advance basic and applied research as well as continue progress toward our nation’s goal of developing a market economy in low Earth orbit (LEO).
On August 19, ASCENDxSummit will host a free Space Science & Technology summit through its virtual platform. Over the course of the day, attendees have the opportunity to hear from NASA leadership, ISS National Lab users, and other leaders in the space science and technology community to learn about the latest trends and technology serving to advance commerce, exploration, and discovery in space.
At the summit, CASIS Vice President of Programs and Partnerships Christine Kretz will lead two separate sessions:
International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory Partner Panel (11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. EDT): This session, moderated by Kretz, will include a panel of research partners that recognize the value in leveraging the space-based environment of the ISS National Lab to further their science and develop their business models in LEO. Speakers include:
- Stéphane de La Faverie, group president, The Estée Lauder Companies
- Cynthia Martin-Brennan, director of strategic engagement and external affairs, Space Tango
- Nicole Wagner, chief executive officer, LambdaVision
LEO Research and Development Co-Lab (1:00-1:55 p.m. EDT):This workshop session will provide an overview of how to access the ISS National Lab and will discuss how commercial partners such as Axiom Space are developing modules for the space station (through an agreement with NASA) for future users. Attendees will join in a discussion of the future of commercial facilities on the orbiting laboratory and then work together in breakout groups to provide input through a collaborative exercise. The session will be led by:
- Christine Kretz, vice president of programs and partnerships, CASIS
- Christian Maender, director of in-space production and research, Axiom Space, Inc.
Additionally, NASA Chief Economist and ISS National Lab Program Executive Alexander MacDonald will join CASIS Board of Directors Member Elizabeth Cantwell to discuss the role of a national laboratory in LEO in the ISS U.S. National Lab Update session (10:30-11:30 a.m. EDT).
To learn more about ASCENDxSummit: Space Science & Technology, including how to register for this free virtual event, please go here.
About the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as the nation’s newest national laboratory to optimize its use for improving quality of life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by non-NASA U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The ISS National Lab manages access to the permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space.
