The American Astronautical Society, in cooperation with NASA and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), will host the third annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference June 17-19 in Chicago.

The theme of this year's conference is "Discoveries, Applications and Opportunities." It is the only annual conference that explores, in detail, the full breadth of research and technology development currently underway on the orbiting laboratory, as well as prospective research to span the life of the station.

Plenary sessions will address the most compelling results of research and development conducted aboard the space station in 2013. Discussion topics include research into the effects of microgravity; the benefits and applications of space station research in biotechnology, health and education; the commercial applications of engineering and technology developments; and a discussion on the space station's role as a stepping-stone to sending astronauts to Mars in the 2030s.

Parallel technical sessions offer attending scientists the opportunity to hear about the latest accomplishments in their areas of expertise, such as life, physical, Earth and space sciences; human research; education; and technologies that enable exploration.  The conference also will include sessions designed to help interested users develop their own ideas for experiments aboard the space station, what they can expect to accomplish, how to get started and potential sources of funding.

Keynote speakers include International Space Station Program Manager Michael Suffredini and CASIS President and Executive Director, Gregory H. Johnson.

Special guests include NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations William Gerstenmaier and NASA Associate Administrator for Science John Grunsfeld. Nobel laureate Samuel Ting will present results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment currently underway aboard the space station. A NASA astronaut will share experiences living and working aboard the orbiting outpost. Organizations that manage and fund research on the space station, including NASA and CASIS, will provide overviews of research applications, external and internal capabilities, and upcoming opportunities.

For details on the conference program and online registration, visit:

http://www.astronautical.org

For information about research on the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

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