24/7 Space News
SPACE TRAVEL
NASA Outlines Future Strategy for Post-ISS Microgravity Research Labs in LEO
As this plan unfolds, NASA looks forward to sharing further updates, underscoring its commitment to a seamless and effective transition to the new era of space research and exploration.
NASA Outlines Future Strategy for Post-ISS Microgravity Research Labs in LEO
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 21, 2023

In a recent development marking a significant shift in space research dynamics, NASA is actively developing a strategy for establishing the next generation of microgravity national labs in a commercial space station environment. This move comes in response to a directive from the National Space Council in September 2022, tasking NASA with crafting a plan for this new era in space research.

Led by the Space Operations Mission Directorate and the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, NASA's initiative is part of a broader effort to adapt to the evolving landscape of low-Earth orbit (LEO) operations post-International Space Station (ISS). The ISS National Laboratory (ISSNL), a pivotal element in this landscape, was established by the NASA Authorization Act of 2005. Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) in Melbourne, FL, the ISSNL has been a cornerstone for various users, including U.S. government agencies, universities, and commercial entities, in conducting research and STEM activities on the ISS.

The ISSNL model has successfully garnered significant non-NASA interest, leading to over 700 projects, with a substantial portion developed by commercial users. In fiscal year 2023 alone, 35 publications were added to the already impressive tally of 265 since the National Lab began its operations. This model has also facilitated collaborations with other U.S. Government agencies, like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, underscoring the lab's role in addressing national research priorities.

Looking ahead, NASA is preparing for the transition from the ISS to Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs) by the end of the decade. This shift necessitates a transformation from a government-owned platform to commercially-owned platforms, where the government will purchase services. In this context, NASA's Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy conducted a comprehensive study to explore various models for future operations between a National Laboratory and CLDs.

The study, pivotal in shaping NASA's strategy, explored six potential models varying in the degree of government oversight. These models were assessed across three potential future economy growth scenarios, highlighting their adaptability and scalability. The study concluded that no single model provides a complete strategy, but rather, a combination of these models would be optimal.

Incorporating inputs from the December 2022 White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Request for Information, NASA's strategy focuses on several key objectives. These include maintaining U.S. leadership in space, fostering international cooperation, supporting government-funded scientists and engineers, and creating opportunities for STEM and workforce development. The ideal national lab in this new era will be platform-agnostic, scalable, collaborative, and provide equitable access for all stakeholders.

As NASA continues to refine the details of this post-ISS national lab strategy, several critical issues remain under consideration. These include the management structure of the national lab, the definition of roles and relationships, pathways for international cooperation, proposed changes to NASA's national lab authorization legislation, and the development of a transition strategy to ensure continuity between the ISSNL and the post-ISS national lab.

NASA's commitment to engaging with stakeholders, including other U.S. government agencies, commercial industry, and the user community, is evident as it navigates this complex transition. The goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy that not only maintains but enhances the current capabilities of U.S. government research and technology development in LEO, thereby continuing to improve life on Earth.

Research Report:Models for Facilitating Government-Funded Activities in the Post-ISS LEO Ecosystem

Related Links
NASA
Space Tourism, Space Transport and Space Exploration News

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SPACE TRAVEL
For All Mankind: Space drama's alternate history constructs a better vision of NASA
Aberystwyth, Wales (SPX) Nov 13, 2023
Great art is often difficult to quantify. Apple TV's series For All Mankind is a case in point, running the risk of being too sci-fi for drama fans (rockets, moon bases, Mars) and having too much naturalistic drama for sci-fi aficionados (jealousy, divorce, institutional politics). Nonetheless, the show consistently rewards both sets of viewers by brilliantly blurring the line between reality and alternate history. It tells a compelling story wherein the Soviet Union beat the US to land on the Moo ... read more

SPACE TRAVEL
NASA Outlines Future Strategy for Post-ISS Microgravity Research Labs in LEO

Insect compasses, fire-fighting vines: 2023's nature-inspired tech

MSBAI and Princeton partner in SpaceWERX contract to enhance space flight training

Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin headed back into space after accident

SPACE TRAVEL
GMV Leads In-Space Refueling Tech Development with UK Space Agency Funding

KSC looks ahead to a busy year in 2024

Japan sets third launch attempt of next-gen rocket for February

ESA and IENAI Space unveil innovative electrospray propulsion for small satellites

SPACE TRAVEL
Recent volcanism on Mars reveals a planet more active than previously thought

Sussex research takes us a step closer to sustaining human life on Mars

Rocker-Bogie Around the Marsmas Sea: Sols 4041-4042

Zhurong Rover Unveils Ancient Polygonal Terrain Under Mars' Utopia Planitia

SPACE TRAVEL
Shenzhou XVII astronauts set for their first spacewalk

China's commercial space sector achieves milestones with series of successful launches

China's space programme: Five things to know

Long March rockets mark their 500th spaceflight

SPACE TRAVEL
Russia space agency official held over multi-million euro fraud

NASA Enhances Aerospace Innovation with New SBIR Ignite Phase I Awards

Measuring how space creates jobs and prosperity on Earth

Bayanat and Yahsat to Merge, Forming AI-Driven Space Technology Powerhouse, Space42

SPACE TRAVEL
L-SAR 01 Satellite Group Begins Operations, Enhancing China's Disaster Response

Chile's state-owned mining giant forms lithium extraction alliance

NASA's Tech Demo Streams First Video From Deep Space via Laser

Shining a light on NASA's deep space laser communication test

SPACE TRAVEL
Astrophysicists publish Kepler Giant Planet Search, an aid to 'figure out where to find life'

Earth may have had all the elements needed for life within it all along

NASA Study Finds Life-Sparking Energy Source and Molecule at Enceladus

Some Icy Exoplanets May Have Habitable Oceans and Geysers

SPACE TRAVEL
The PI's Perspective: The Long Game

Webb rings in the holidays with the ringed planet Uranus

Unwrapping Uranus and its icy moon secrets

Juice burns hard towards first-ever Earth-Moon flyby

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.