Responses due March 31, 2012
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (January 31, 2012) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)–the nonprofit entity selected in 2011 by NASA to maximize utilization of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory–released a Request for Information (RFI) today seeking information about potential implementation partners, service providers and organizations that can provide project integration and operations support for payloads.
As part of its mission, CASIS will facilitate the matching of laboratory users with commercial providers for the purpose of developing research payloads. The RFI, which closes on March 31, 2012, will allow CASIS to establish a database of providers that can support a wide variety of payload needs.
The complete RFI can be viewed at www.iss-casis.org/RFI, but an overview of provider functions include:
-Interfacing with CASIS and the NASA ISS payloads office on behalf of the researcher.
-Providing flight-certified hardware to support research objectives.
-Conducting required testing to verify science and hardware requirements.
-Developing required documentation packages.
-Supporting NASA reviews and crew training.
-Coordinating ground-analog requirements and post-processing activities.
-Conducting data analysis and/or other support activities per user needs.
-Providing technical support for STEM and outreach activities associated with payloads.
Prospective respondents are requested to include examples of previous experience in research, education or commercial areas.
“Many companies have the capability to provide support and integration services for space-based work,” said CASIS Director Dr. Jeanne Becker. “CASIS looks forward to new opportunities for bringing together these providers with the NL user community.”
For more information about CASIS operations and utilization of the space station’s U.S. National Laboratory, visit www.iss-casis.org.
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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 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. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.
About the International Space Station U.S. 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.
