The document discusses research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). It provides a brief history of the ISS, noting its first module launch in 1998 and designation as a U.S. National Laboratory in 2005. The ISS provides a unique environment for microgravity research, Earth observation, and exposure to extreme conditions in space. Research on the ISS covers various fields including life sciences, materials science, and STEM education. The document outlines the goals of fostering innovation and inspiring future generations through research using the only orbiting laboratory available.

1. THINKING
OUTSIDE OF
GRAVITY
International Space Station
U.S. National Laboratory
Miki Sode, Ph.D., Commercial
Innovation Program Manager
September 25, 2019

2. 2
HISTORY
1998: Launch of first module
2000: First crew
2005: Congress designated U.S.
portion of the ISS as a National
Laboratory
2011: CASIS/ISS National Laboratory
selected as manager of the U.S.
laboratory portion of the ISS

3. WHY
SPACE?

4. MICROGRAVITY
Microgravity influences cell
behavior, organism health, fluid
physics, combustion, and various
processes across the physical and
life sciences.

5. UNIQUE
VANTAGE
POINT
The ISS is approximately 240
miles above Earth, with an
orbital path over 90% of Earth’s
population, offering a wide range
of Earth-viewing resolutions and
viewing geometries.

6. EXTREME
CONDITIONS
The Extreme Environment of
Space includes exposure to
extreme heat and cold cycling,
ultrahigh vacuum, atomic oxygen,
high-energy radiation, and debris
impact.

7. 7
To foster scientific discovery and technological innovation in space, expand U.S.
leadership in commercial space, and inspire the next generation

8. THE ONLY
ORBITING
LABORATOR
Y

9. CURRENT
EXP60
CREW

10. 10
TYPES OF
RESEARCH ON
THE ISS
 Life Sciences
 Physical & Materials Science
 Technology Development
 Remote Sensing
 STEM

12. VALUE IMPACT
Substantiates the value of projects
selected and executed on the ISS
National Laboratory
Metrics for comparing the value of
projects in the portfolio and tracking their
trajectory toward value creation

13. IMPACT-
FEASIBILITY
FACTORS
FEASIBILITY FACTORS
IMPACT FACTORS
 Project clarity
 Resource commitment
 Technical approach
 Commercialization
 Application leverage
 Market innovation
 New revenue potential
 Discover science
 Research leadership
 Unique niche
 Enduring capability
 Catalytic
 Social/humankind
ECONOMIC
INNOVATION
SOCIAL

14. 14
IMPACT-
FEASIBILITY
GRID
Assessment framework based on
industry standards and best
practices
 Decision-making tool based on
projected outcome & tracking

15. 15
CHALLENGES
AND PATH
FORWARD
Wide variety of projects
Need for validation

16. THANK YOU
www.ISSNationalLab.org
All images courtesy of NASA or the ISS National
Laboratory unless otherwise stated.
ISS National Lab
ISS_CASI
S
ISS National Lab
ISS_CASI
S
https://projects.ISSNationalLab.org
www.SpaceStationExplorers.org
msode@ISSNationalLab.org ISS Benefits for Humanity
ISS Researcher’s Guide Series