NASA Participates in Microgravity Science Summit – NASA

NASA leadership attended the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Microgravity Science Summit (OSTP) on December 16, focused on sharing information about the benefits of microgravity research with U.S. federal government leaders. done During the summit, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, OSTP leadership, and others emphasized the importance of governments coming together to understand the transformative power of microgravity and lay the foundation for the next generation of research and innovation. Highlighted

“The value of microgravity research has never been clearer. This unique environment gives us the opportunity to explore fundamental questions and test advanced ideas in ways that are not possible under the constraints of Earth’s gravity,” Melroy said. “NASA has long been at the forefront of microgravity research by working with a growing network of government partners, international space agencies, commercial partners, and academic institutions. Together we have established a strong foundation for microgravity science on the International Space Station, but our work is far from over. In fact, this is just the beginning.”

The summit’s theme, “Building Alliances for the Next Generation of Microgravity Research,” covers the work currently being completed on the International Space Station to benefit Earth, opening up space for more people. Be, and allow humans to travel far into space. Leaders for Research also heard about NASA’s plans to advance the government’s efforts to continue future operations on commercial space stations and maintain a national research capability in orbit.

In 2023, the Biden-Harris administration issued a National Low Earth Orbit Research and Development Strategy To provide an interagency strategy and action plan to enable broad U.S. government cooperation and public-private partnership support to ensure continuity of access and sustainable Earth orbit research and development activities. The strategy supports a framework of U.S. space priorities that focus on scientific and technological innovation, economic growth, commercial development, and space-related STEM education and workforce development. The summit also included discussion of major developments and prospects for the future in cancer research, semiconductors, wildland fire management, and space production applications.

“The key to success will be collaboration,” Melroy said. For, is an essential part of the scientific toolkit to help improve our national capabilities and posture. A future where space isn’t just a distant and mysterious destination—it’s an environment of collaboration, discovery, and growth.

On December 16, NASA also Continued Its Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy outlines the agency’s long-term approach to advancing microgravity science, technology and research.