The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has released the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory 2020 Annual Report. The report is intended to educate the public on ISS National Lab highlights and accomplishments from the 2020 fiscal year (October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020). The report includes an updated look at future directions that will be instrumental in bringing value to our nation through space-based research and technology development and will drive a robust, sustainable, and scalable market in low Earth orbit (LEO). CASIS is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing the ISS National Lab through a Cooperative Agreement with NASA.

The ISS National Lab’s vision is to be the Center of Excellence advancing U.S. leadership in commercial space, fostering science and innovation in microgravity and inspiring the next generation. Highlights within the 2020 Annual Report that showcase how the ISS National Lab is fulfilling its mission to the American taxpayer include the following:

  • A record 27 journal articles this year detailed results from ISS National Lab investigations.
  • CASIS collaborations with the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation continued, with a total of 10 solicitations jointly issued over the past four years and more than $40 million in funding from these partners awarded to 37 projects.
  • CASIS grants this year were matched at a ratio of 1:12 by committed funding from third-party sponsors and the awarded institutions.
  • In-orbit activities this year included investigations from Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, small high-tech startups, and many others—also reflecting a diversity of funding sponsors.
  • The 9th annual ISS Research and Development Conference, albeit virtual, reached record attendance.

The 2020 Annual Report is now available online at www.issnationallab.org/ar2020/.

 

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About the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Lab allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit www.ISSNationalLab.org.