#United States #ISS National Lab #Kennedy Space Center #space research #CASIS

2024 ISS National Lab Annual Report Highlights

The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory recently released its annual report, detailing significant advancements in space-based research and development (R&D) during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The report, issued by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), emphasizes the rapid expansion of R&D initiatives conducted in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Increased Payload Deliveries

In FY24, the ISS National Lab facilitated the launch of over 100 payloads, marking the second-highest annual total since the lab was established. Notably, about 80% of these payloads originated from commercial entities, demonstrating a robust interest from private industries in leveraging the ISS for innovative research.

Additionally, nearly 75% of the new projects approved for flight were from first-time users, underlining the lab's effective outreach efforts to engage diverse research communities. Among the 31 selected projects, several stemmed from the ISS National Lab Research Announcements, focusing on key strategic areas such as technology development and tissue engineering.

Record Research Output

The report highlighted the publication of over 50 peer-reviewed articles related to the research conducted aboard the ISS, the most recorded in a single fiscal year. This brings the cumulative total of publications to nearly 450, with a considerable proportion funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Noteworthy achievements included a patent application for a muscle tissue chip system and the introduction of an educational model kit designed for teachers and students.

Funding and Innovation

The ISS National Lab attracted nearly $25 million in external funding to support its projects, with a significant portion originating from academic and nonprofit institutions. This financial support underscores the value of space-based R&D as a catalyst for innovation.

Moreover, the lab allocated substantial resources to the inaugural Igniting Innovation solicitation, jointly launched with NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division, which provided $7 million to multiple projects aimed at advancing cancer research. Interestingly, despite prevailing market difficulties, startups involved with ISS National Lab-sponsored projects secured approximately $147 million in funding, contributing to a total funding of $2.2 billion since the lab's inception.

Community Engagement and Education

The ISS National Lab has also prioritized educational initiatives, focusing on workforce development and STEM career readiness. The organization launched several activities designed to equip students with essential skills needed for future careers in science and technology. A new corporate donor has pledged support for these educational initiatives over the next three years.

The lab's outreach strategy appears fruitful, evidenced by a significant rise in subscriptions to its official magazine, Upward, which almost doubled over the past year, along with a notable increase in subscribers to the Space Station Spotlight newsletter. A redesigned website further optimized user engagement, resulting in doubled page views.

Looking Ahead

Ramon Lugo, CEO of CASIS, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the past year, emphasizing the crucial partnership with NASA that empowers the ISS National Lab to break new ground in space-based research initiatives. The 2024 annual report illustrates how the ISS National Lab not only supports current research but also fosters a sustainable ecosystem for future innovations in low Earth orbit.

The annual report for FY24 is now accessible online for those interested in exploring additional ISS National Lab-sponsored research and insights from the year. By continuing to bridge the gap between terrestrial and space-based research, the ISS National Lab reaffirms its vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological development for the benefit of humanity.

For more information on the ISS National Lab and its groundbreaking work, visit ISS National Lab's website.