NASA to Showcase Cutting-Edge Research at 13th Annual Space Station Conference

Live coverage to feature keynotes, panels, and discussions with top scientists and astronauts, showcasing the benefits of space research for humanity.

NASA is set to broadcast exciting new discoveries and advancements in space research at the 13th annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference. This event, highlighting the significant benefits for humanity derived from space research, will take place from Monday, August 1, to Thursday, August 4, in Boston. The conference will be available for public viewing through live streaming on NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website.

Key Events and Speakers

The conference will feature a series of keynote addresses, panels, and discussions from prominent figures in the space research community. Here are some key highlights:

Tuesday, July 30

• 9 a.m. – Igniting Innovation Keynote:
  • Diana Ly, Deputy Director of Biological and Physical Sciences, NASA Headquarters
  • Michael Roberts, Chief Scientific Officer, International Space Station National Laboratory
• 9:35 a.m. – NASA’s Expedition 71 Astronauts Discussion:
  • Mike Barratt
  • Matt Dominick
  • Jeanette Epps
  • Tracy C. Dyson

Wednesday, July 31

• 12 p.m. – Keynote Address:
  • Jim Free, NASA Associate Administrator
• 1:45 p.m. – Lightning: The Power of Science in Low Earth Orbit:
  • Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
• 2:05 p.m. – Low Earth Orbit Research Continuity Panel:
  • Robyn Gatens, Director, International Space Station Program, NASA Headquarters
  • Kirt Costello, Utilization Manager, Low Earth Orbit Development Program, NASA Johnson
  • Ryan Prouty, Manager, International Space Station Research Integration Office, NASA Johnson

Thursday, Aug. 1

• 8:40 a.m. – International Space Station International Partners Panel:
  • Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Program, NASA Johnson
  • Dr. Masaki Shirakawa, Director, Japanese Experiment Module Utilization Center, JAXA
  • Fabio Caramelli, Manager, Space Rider System Payload and Exploitation, ESA
  • Mathieu Caron, Director, Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine, CSA
  • Hazzaa Al Monsoori, Chief, Astronaut Office, United Arab Emirates
  • Luca Di Fino, Utilization Manager, International Space Station Program, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana
• 10:15 a.m. – Accessibility to Low Earth Orbit Panel:
  • Brittany Brown, Director, Digital Communications, Office of Communications, NASA Headquarters
  • Jessica Gagen, Scientist and Educator, Miss United Kingdom 2024
  • Eric Ingram, Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer, SCOUT Space, Inc.
  • John Shoffner, Founder, Perseid Foundation
• 12:30 p.m. – Keynote Address:
  • Steve Bowen, NASA Astronaut

Importance of the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) has been a continuously crewed outpost for more than 23 years, serving as a unique platform for scientific research. Crews aboard the ISS have conducted over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, benefiting researchers on Earth and advancing knowledge in various scientific fields, including Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, and physical sciences. The station also plays a crucial role in supporting space commerce through commercial crew and cargo partnerships, as well as research initiatives.

How to Watch

NASA will provide live coverage of select panels throughout the conference on multiple platforms, including social media. The International Space Station Research and Development Conference is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and the American Astronautical Society, in collaboration with NASA. It brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to discuss the latest advancements and future directions in space research.