International Space Station: National Laboratory Development Brad Carpenter Space Operations Mission Directorate NASA Headquarters.

International Space Station:National Laboratory Development

Brad CarpenterSpace Operations Mission DirectorateNASA Headquarters

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Remember the ISS?

Approaching completion

• European and Japanese laboratories are on orbit

• ESA Automated Transfer Vehicle is currently docked to the ISS

• Next step is six crew

• U.S. science focus is mission-enabling human research

• Limited resources are available for U.S. “non-exploration” research

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Remember the ISS?

• Continued Interest in Effective Utilization

• 2005 NASA Authorization - the ISS National Laboratory

• 2008 Appropriation Act - Decadal Survey & ISS National Lab Education Plan

• 2008 NASA Authorization - ISS Research Management

• ISS is Human Space Flight until 2020

• Culmination of years of international cooperation and investment

• First requirement for Ares I and Orion

• Will represent space exploration throughout a difficult era

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ISS National Laboratory Objective

Develop non-NASA users for ISS accommodations and resources capacity available during the post-assembly period.

• Establish partnerships with government, academic and industrial participants.

• Produce diversified portfolio of productive projects contributing to US scientific and technological advancement, and sustained economic growth.

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ConstraintsConstraints

• NASA exploration mission uses of the ISS must command top priority for ISS payload resources and accommodations.

• Funds necessary for non-NASA uses of ISS National Laboratory must be appropriated outside of NASA appropriations.

• No impact to NASA’s primary missions.

• NASA will continue to cover cost of ISS maintenance and

operations.

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StrategyStrategy

Pursue non-NASA uses of ISS through NASA HQ Space Operations Mission Directorate

• Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with other government agencies…• Space Act Agreements (SAAs) with private firms…• Coordinated with ISS Program and Office of General Counsel.

In parallel, determine pros/cons and most effective approach to creating an authority that could take responsibility for further non-government program development in next decade.

• Study of potential legal frameworks by Office of General Counsel.• “Form follows function” approach at this early stage.• NASA will continue to be “executive agent” for other government uses

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NASA Actions to Date:Report to Congress

Three Tactical Initiatives:1. Public/Private Initiative in Education2. Public Initiative in Research3. Private Initiative in Applications

Perception of Risk Remains High• ISS Assembly Completion by 2010• Commercial Transportation Availability

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Conclusion

The National Laboratory concept is an opportunity to

enlist new stakeholders in space-based research, applications and

operations.

The International Space Station represents a unique and highly

visible asset with surplus capacity available for a

spectrum of applications.

NASA will continue to cover cost of operating and maintaining

ISS, and is highly motivated to work with other agencies and

organizations on scientific, technological and commercial uses.