The Institute of Competition Sciences (ICS) makes learning an exciting challenge for students of all ages. For ICS, it’s not only about creating a tool for students, educators and innovators. It’s about creating academic heroes, and building the structures and systems upon which they can be recognized and rewarded. We aim to do for educational competitions what ESPN has done for professional sports, and much more. The Space Station Technology Challenge is a new signature competition from ICS to help engage, inspire, and motivate students to learn through real-world entrepreneurial programming in the burgeoning space industry.
For more than 20 years, humans have lived and worked continuously onboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable long-duration exploration into deep space and benefit life here on our planet. In an effort to expand the research opportunities of this unparalleled platform, the ISS was designated as a U.S. National Laboratory in 2005 by Congress, enabling space research and development access to a broad range of commercial, academic, and government users. Since 2011, the ISS National Lab has selected more than 200 ISS research projects. Working together with NASA, the ISS National Lab aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation.
Thanks to ISSNL, teachers can apply to guide their students through the SSTC at no cost.
Advisory Board
The Space Station Technology Challenge is supported by volunteer scientists and business people in the space industry, providing participants with expert perspectives and cutting edge information. If you are an expert in the space industry or working a related profession, and would like to learn more about becoming a member of our Advisory Board, please contact: sstc@competitionsciences.org.
Amanda
Adams
STEM Engagement Coordinador
NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
Robert
Bell
Executive Director
Space & Satellite Professionals International
Esther
Beltran
Co-Founder, CEO
Lenn Enterprises
Eugene
Boland
Director
Talaris Therapeutics
Gregory
Constantine
Co-Founder, CEO
Air Company
John
Dankanich
Chief Technologist
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Ken
Davidian
Vice President
International Space University
Mahsa
Esfandabadi
Aerospace Architectural Engineer
SEArch+
Wesley
Faler
CEO
Miles Space
William
Gutman
Director of Aerospace Operations
Spaceport America
Sara
Jennings
CEO
Orion Labs
Max
Joshua
Senior Business Development Manager
Blue Skies Space
Joe
Laurienti
Founder, CEO
Ursa Major
Mike
Lewis
Chief Innovation Officer
Nanoracks
Franck
Marchis
Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer
Unistellar
Joe
Messinger
Marketing & Communications Director
ISS National Laboratory
Joseph
Minafra
Lead for Innovation & Technical Partnerships
NASA Ames Research Center
Kimberly
Minafra
Program Specialist, Technology Transfer
NASA Ames Research Center
Dan
Rasky
Director of Commercial Space Office
NASA Ames Research Center
Michael
Roberts
Chief Scientist
ISS National Laboratory
Arun
Sharma
STEM Cell Biologist
Cedars-Sinai
Ted
Southern
Division Manager
Paragon Space
Fabrice
Testa
Co-Founder, CFO
Maana Electric
Melodie
Yashar
VP, Space Architect
ICON
Future Space Stations
The Orbital Reef station, led by principal partners Sierra Space Corporation and Blue Origin, will open the next chapter of human space exploration and development by facilitating the growth of a vibrant ecosystem and business model for the future. Orbital Reef will be the premier mixed-use space station in low Earth orbit for commerce, research, and tourism by the end of this decade.
Axiom Space is the only company with the privilege of connecting its modules to the International Space Station. This partnership and strategic connection allows Axiom Space to effectively adopt and service the multinational user base of the ISS National Laboratory to seamlessly continue research and manufacturing initiatives. Axiom Station will host people, research and manufacturing that will lead development for numerous industries using techniques that are available only in microgravity.
Nanoracks, the world’s leading provider of commercial access to space, is pleased to announce the launch of a new Space AgTech company, StarLab Oasis. StarLab Oasis will focus on advancing the knowledge and technology of organisms and food that are produced in the harsh environment of space.
