CASIS Signs Deal with COBRA PUMA GOLF for Research on ISS

COBRA Golf to Receive First “Space Is In It” Product Endorsement

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (June 27, 2012) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with COBRA PUMA GOLFTM to carry out materials research projects on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory for use in its sporting goods products line.

Through ISS-hosted research and development, COBRA PUMA GOLF will conduct research on materials aimed at enhancing its products. Composite materials play a critical role in the golf industry, where lightweight and high strength – yet elastic – properties are desirable. On Earth, gravity can cause irregularities during material manufacturing, which affect certain properties of materials. The microgravity environment provides a research platform where gravity effects are no longer present, allowing researchers to understand chemical and thermodynamic processes to selectively tailor new material properties.

COBRA PUMA GOLF already benefits from alloys and composites developed in the aerospace industry and has been wanting to get directly involved in space research to design, create, test and use advanced materials.

“COBRA Golf is thrilled at the chance to conduct research and development on the ISS National Laboratory,” said Tom Preece, Vice President, Research and Development for COBRA Golf. “Through our association with CASIS and the Station, COBRA PUMA GOLF believes we have the opportunity to create the most technologically advanced golf products in the world.”

As a result of the agreement, COBRA PUMA GOLF will become the first company bestowed with the “Space Is In It” endorsement, which will be carried by all COBRA PUMA GOLF products derived from research on Station.

The “Space Is In It” product endorsement will be awarded by CASIS to select products enhanced by research and development on ISS National Lab. The “Space Is In It” seal (see attachment) will connect Station science to Americans and American culture by singling out innovative consumer goods that are the result of space research. The seal will increase awareness of the benefits of the ISS National Lab while setting products carrying it apart from their competition.

Under the agreement, COBRA PUMA GOLF and CASIS will work together to research and test materials and technology. The plan also commits the partnership to use the research to encourage children to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM education), combining the science of golf with the world’s ultimate classroom; the International Space Station. The first stage of the partnership was a golf and science summer camp pilot project for underprivileged children held in Port St. Lucie, FL, last week. At the camp the children learned golf and were taught about the role science conducted on the ISS National Lab can play to enhance life on Earth.

“Today’s Memorandum of Agreement with COBRA PUMA GOLF signifies a tremendous win. In addition to the MOA, our belief is that this partnership will also set in motion new prospects interested in developing their cutting edge, high-tech products on the ISS.” said Jim Royston, Interim Executive Director for CASIS. “The ‘Space Is In It’ emblem creates yet another avenue for CASIS to connect with businesses and Americans alike while demonstrating the benefits of conducting science in space.”