ISS national Lab Achieves Record-Breaking Year in Space-Based Research and Innovation
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Jan. 28, 2025 — The international Space station (ISS) National Laboratory has marked a milestone year in space-based research and growth, delivering over 100 payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) and expanding opportunities for first-time space researchers. The annual report, released today by the center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®), highlights the lab’s significant contributions to advancing science and fostering a thriving LEO economy.
Since 2011, CASIS has managed the ISS national Lab under a Cooperative Agreement with NASA, enabling groundbreaking research that benefits humanity and stimulates commercial activity in space. the fiscal year 2024 report (october 1,2023–September 30,2024) underscores the lab’s progress in advancing space-based R&D,supporting a lasting market economy in space,and paving the way for future commercial LEO destinations (CLDs).
Key Achievements from FY24
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The ISS National Lab achieved several notable milestones in FY24, demonstrating it’s growing influence in space research and innovation:
- Payloads Delivered: A total of 103 payloads were launched to the ISS, with 80% originating from commercial entities. This reflects the private sector’s strong interest in conducting R&D in space.
- New Research Communities: Nearly 75% of newly selected projects were from first-time space users,showcasing the success of the lab’s outreach efforts. Of the 31 selected projects, more than half were funded through ISS National Lab Research Announcements (NLRAs) in strategic areas like technology development, in-space production applications (e.g., tissue engineering and biomanufacturing), and workforce development.
- Scientific Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles related to ISS National Lab research were published in FY24—the highest number in a single fiscal year—bringing the all-time total to nearly 450.Two-thirds of these papers were linked to projects funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Innovative Outcomes: An NIH-funded project led to a patent for a muscle tissue chip system, while an educational initiative resulted in a space station model kit for educators and students.
- External Funding: Nearly $25 million in non-NASA funding was committed to ISS National Lab-sponsored projects, with nearly half coming from academic and nonprofit institutions.
- Cancer Research: The lab allocated $7 million to five multiflight projects through the inaugural Igniting Innovation solicitation,in partnership with NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division. These projects aim to advance critical cancer research, with most funding matched 1:1 by academic and nonprofit institutions.
- Startup Success: Despite challenging market conditions, startups secured nearly $147 million in funding after the flight of ISS National Lab-sponsored projects, bringing the cumulative total to $2.2 billion.
A Growing Legacy in Space Research
The ISS National Lab continues to break new ground in space-based research, attracting diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and government. Its efforts have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also fostered innovation with tangible benefits for humanity.
| FY24 Highlights | Details |
|—————————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Payloads Delivered | 103 (80% from commercial entities) |
| New-to-Space Users | 75% of newly selected projects |
| Peer-Reviewed Articles Published | 50 (all-time total: nearly 450) |
| External Funding Committed | $25 million (nearly half from academic and nonprofit institutions) |
| Startup Funding Post-Flight | $147 million (cumulative total: $2.2 billion) |
Looking ahead
the ISS National Lab remains committed to expanding access to space for researchers worldwide, driving innovation, and supporting the development of a sustainable LEO economy. As the lab continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space, its impact on science, technology, and education will only grow.
For more information on the ISS National Lab’s groundbreaking work, visit their official website.
ISS National Lab Achieves Record-Breaking Year in Research and Workforce Development
the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has marked a groundbreaking year in FY24, with significant advancements in research, education, and public engagement. managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the ISS National lab has solidified its role as a critical platform for innovation and finding in low Earth orbit.
A Year of Milestones
The FY24 Annual Report highlights the lab’s achievements, including a record number of payloads launched to the ISS, expanded partnerships, and a renewed focus on workforce development. Over 100 payloads were sent to the space station,enabling groundbreaking research in areas such as life sciences,physical sciences,and technology development.
“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved this year,” said Ramon Lugo, principal investigator and CEO of CASIS. “As we continue to work hand in hand with NASA,our strong partnership has allowed us to push the limits of what we can accomplish.”
Expanding Public Awareness
The ISS National Lab has also made strides in public engagement. Its official magazine,Upward,and the Space Station Spotlight newsletter have played pivotal roles in boosting awareness of the lab’s activities. The redesigned website doubled page views by creating clearer pathways for users to explore its initiatives.
| Key Achievements in FY24 |
|——————————|
| Over 100 payloads launched to the ISS |
| 1,100 new subscribers to the Space Station Spotlight newsletter |
| Doubled website page views through redesign |
| New corporate donor for STEM education initiatives |
Prioritizing Workforce Development
This year, the ISS National Lab placed a strong emphasis on workforce development and STEM career readiness. A new corporate donor has pledged funding to support these education initiatives over the next three years, ensuring that students are equipped with essential skills for the future.
A Unique Platform for Innovation
The International Space Station is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth.As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Lab allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, and expand a sustainable market in low Earth orbit.
Through its partnership with NASA, the ISS National Lab supports non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Explore More
To learn more about the ISS National Lab’s achievements, visit the FY24 Annual Report or explore additional research initiatives on our website. For a high-resolution image of the annual report, click here.
The ISS National Lab continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.Advancing Science in Space: How CASIS® is Shaping the Future of Humanity
In the vast expanse of space, the International Space Station (ISS) National laboratory stands as a beacon of scientific progress. Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®), this nonprofit association is dedicated to advancing research that benefits humanity. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CASIS® relies on the generosity of corporate and individual donors to fuel its mission.
CASIS® is at the forefront of space science, facilitating groundbreaking experiments that could lead to innovations in medicine, technology, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging the unique microgravity environment of the ISS,researchers can explore phenomena that are unfeasible to study on Earth. This research has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives globally.
For those inspired to contribute, CASIS® offers a straightforward way to support its mission. “As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS® accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity,” the organization states. To learn more about how you can make a difference,visit their donations page.
The ISS National Laboratory is headquartered at 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955, and can be reached at 321.253.5101. For more information about their initiatives, visit their official website at www.ISSNationalLab.org.
Key Information at a Glance
| aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Organization | Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) |
| Mission | Advance science in space for the benefit of humanity |
| Nonprofit Status | 501(c)(3) |
| Donations | Accepts corporate and individual contributions |
| Contact Information | 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 |
| Website | www.ISSNationalLab.org |
CASIS®’s work is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By supporting their efforts, you can play a part in shaping a brighter future for humanity.Visit their donations page today to contribute to this noble cause.
Advancing Science in Space: an Interview with Ramon Lugo
Interviewer: Ramon, thank you for joining us today. The ISS National Lab has had an incredible year. Can you share some highlights from FY24?
ramon Lugo: Absolutely! FY24 was a remarkable year for us. We launched a record number of payloads to the International Space Station, over 100 in total. This enabled groundbreaking research in areas like life sciences, physical sciences, and technology development. Our partnership with NASA has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.
Interviewer: That’s impressive. How has the ISS National Lab expanded public awareness of its work?
Ramon Lugo: We’ve made significant strides in public engagement.Our official magazine, Upward, and the Space Station Spotlight newsletter have been pivotal in boosting awareness. Additionally, we redesigned our website, which doubled page views by creating clearer pathways for users to explore our initiatives.
Interviewer: Workforce development seems to be a key focus for you. Can you elaborate on that?
Ramon Lugo: Yes,we’ve placed a strong emphasis on workforce development and STEM career readiness. We recently secured a new corporate donor who has pledged funding to support thes education initiatives over the next three years.It’s crucial that we equip students with the essential skills they’ll need for the future.
Interviewer: The ISS is often called a unique platform for innovation. Why is that?
Ramon lugo: The International Space Station provides a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. It’s a public service enterprise that allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based buisness models, and expand a lasting market in low Earth orbit.
Interviewer: For those inspired to contribute, how can they support your mission?
Ramon Lugo: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of corporate and individual donors to advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. We encourage anyone interested to visit our donations page to learn more about how they can make a difference.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ramon. It’s clear that the ISS national Lab is making incredible strides. Where can our readers go to learn more about your initiatives?
ramon Lugo: They can visit our official website to explore our research initiatives and read our FY24 Annual report. For a high-resolution image of the annual report, they can click here.
Conclusion
Ramon Lugo and the ISS National Lab are at the forefront of space science, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Their achievements in FY24 underscore the importance of leveraging the International Space Station for groundbreaking research and public engagement. By supporting their mission, we can all play a part in shaping a brighter future for humanity.
