Outcome 1.1: International Space Station

Sustain the operation and full use of the International Space Station (ISS) and expand efforts to utilize the ISS as a National Laboratory for scientific, technological, diplomatic, and educational purposes and for supporting future objectives in human space exploration.

Other Information:

The ISS is a major stepping stone in achieving our exploration goals across the solar system. It provides a spacebased research and development (R&D) laboratory to safely perform multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research. The international nature of ISS serves as a model for cooperation on future human space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. In collaboration with our international partners, we will extend the life-span of ISS to 2020 or beyond to maximize the potential of the Nation's newest National Laboratory. This continuously crewed laboratory enables the ongoing evolution of research and technology objectives and ensures that the benefits of this multinational investment in ISS can be realized. This orbiting research laboratory allows us to develop, test, and validate the next generation of space technologies and operational processes needed to explore beyond low Earth orbit. It provides opportunities to address practical medical questions about astronaut health, including mitigating the effects of long journeys on space travelers, and supports a broad array of biological and physical sciences research to advance our knowledge and space flight capabilities. ISS also will host Earth and space observation instruments to expand our understanding of our home planet and the solar system and will support advanced engineering research and technology development for space exploration. Under the auspices of an ISS National Laboratory non-profit management organization, we will continue to make the ISS available as a national resource, to promote opportunities for advancing basic and applied research in science and technology to other U.S. Government agencies, university-based scientists and engineers, and private firms. The National Laboratory management entity will be responsible for stimulating, developing, and managing a diversified R&D portfolio using the ISS to address U.S. needs. ISS is transitioning from a focus on assembly to longterm operations and full utilization. A fully operational station allows us to pursue our mission-driven R&D goals, such as human biomedical research and spacecraft technology development, and support continued science and technology leadership. We look further forward, seeking to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers by igniting a passion for STEM study and careers. ISS also provides a stable destination to facilitate the growth and evolution of new commercial opportunities, including crew and cargo transportation to low Earth orbit and beyond.

Stakeholder(s):

• U.S. Government Agencies


• University-Based Scientists


• University-Based Scientists Engineers


• Private Firms

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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