KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (May 22, 2012) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the nonprofit organization managing research on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, and the American Astronautical Society (in cooperation with NASA) are co-sponsoring the 1st Annual ISS Research and Development Conference being held June 26-28, 2012 in Denver, Colorado.
The conference will provide a tremendous opportunity for scientists and organizations from a wide variety of research fields – including those who have never flown research in space – to learn how a platform like the ISS, with access to microgravity and extreme environments, can benefit scientific investigations in ways that no Earth-based laboratory can replicate.
Conference sessions will focus on results of Station research to date and enable attendees to determine how to best work with CASIS to quickly and cost-effectively enable research projects in the physical and life sciences, as well as in spacecraft technology development. The final day of the conference is free and aimed specifically at new users – groups and individuals who want to better understand how removing gravity from their research can unlock a new understanding of their work’s potential.
The conference will offer panel discussions led by educators and industry leaders, and technical sessions. Featured keynote speakers will include NASA Scientists and Directors, as well as CASIS executives that will moderate a session specific to upcoming ISS R&D proposal opportunities.
“This conference is a great opportunity to show the R&D community the significant capabilities that reside through the ISS National Lab,” said CASIS Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “We are pleased to be a co-sponsor of this event – one that will serve to help steer the research direction of the ISS National Lab for years to come.”
For more information or to register for the 1st Annual ISS Research and Development Conference visit http://astronautical.org/forms/iss_12/register_iss12.php.
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About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. The CASIS goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.
About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low earth orbit and varied environments of space. The ISS National Laboratory Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center currently facilitates research initiatives on board the station’s National Lab, but management of America’s only in-orbit laboratory is transitioning to CASIS.
