Readiness Issues Related to Research in the Biological and Physical Sciences on the International Space Station (2001)

Summary: The Space Studies Board, in cooperation with the National Academy of Public Administration, agreed to organize a study of the status of life and microgravity research on the International Space Station (ISS). During the first of two study phases, the study task group conducted an assessment of (1) the readiness of the U.S. scientific community to use the ISS for life and microgravity research and (2) the relative costs and benefits of either dedicating an annual space shuttle mission to life and microgravity research during assembly of the ISS or maintaining the current schedule for ISS assembly in place. The study has focused on the research areas that would utilize the pressurized laboratories in the International Space Station. These areas were considered from the perspective of both academic and industrial researchers.