Connect with us

Technology

A Year of Space-Based Innovation: ISS National Lab Sponsored More Than 100 Payloads in 2024, Advancing R&D in Low Earth Orbit

Published

2 years ago

on

The ISS National Lab supported 110 payloads that launched to the orbiting outpost over seven missions this year, enabling discoveries for terrestrial benefit

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a robust year for space-based research, the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory supported the launch of 110 payloads across seven missions, facilitating science and technology research and development (R&D) that pushes the limits of innovation. Projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab this year enabled advancements in biotechnology, fundamental science, advanced materials, in-space manufacturing, and other areas. Companies, academic institutions, and government agencies continue to leverage the unique space environment to conduct R&D that brings value to humanity, validates new technologies and capabilities in space, and drives business models in low Earth orbit.

ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads launched to the space station on four NASA-funded Commercial Resupply Services missions, two astronaut crew missions through NASA, and one private astronaut mission from Axiom Space.

Below are a few highlights from the year in space:

Several projects that launched in 2024 focused on in-space manufacturing, an area of strategic importance for the ISS National Lab and NASA.Building on the successful 3D printing of a human meniscus on the ISS, Redwire Corporation’s BioFabrication Facility (BFF) printed test patches of cardiac tissues that could one day be used for drug testing and tissue repair for patients on Earth.Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly and Company utilized a manufacturing platform Redwire developed called the Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory (PIL) Bio-crystal Optimization eXperiment (BOX) to crystallize small organic molecules in microgravity with promising results. Essentially a “lab-in-a-box,” the PIL-BOX facility enables pharmaceutical companies and researchers to grow small-batch crystals for protein-based pharmaceuticals that may lead to more effective therapeutics for patients on Earth.Flawless Photonics launched technology for manufacturing high-value ZBLAN optical fiber in microgravity. ZBLAN can perform up to 100 times better than the silica fibers commonly used to connect our digital world today. The company produced more than seven miles (11.9 km) of optical fiber on station that is now being evaluated on Earth.Researchers from LambdaVision continued to leverage the ISS National Lab in their quest to manufacture an artificial retina to restore significant vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes vision loss. LambdaVision sent its ninth investigation to the space station earlier this year. The company is one of the growing number of organizations launching multiple investigations that build on previous space-based results.Several projects that launched this year validated valuable new technologies.The ArgUS platform, developed by Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc., launched to the space station and supported its first projects in the Bartolomeo external hosting platform. ArgUS expands access to the space station’s unprecedented vantage point and extreme environment for materials and remote sensing projects, enabling multiple missions related to Earth observation, robotics, materials science, and astrophysics.NASA’s Astrobees, three free-flying robots on the space station designed to test technology and assist astronauts with routine duties, had a busy year. For example, Kall Morris used the Astrobees to simulate an active debris removal mission using its REACCH capture system, while Boeing and CSIRO (an Australian government agency responsible for scientific research) tested a novel 3D mapping technology to produce detailed maps of remote environments.The Malta College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology tested its ASTROBEAT cold welding technology in an investigation designed to simulate the repair of a spacecraft hull damaged from a hypervelocity impact in space. The project seeks to establish cold welding as a new tool for in-space repair, significantly boosting the durability of spacecraft and the safety of crewed missions while addressing the growing concern of space debris.Axiom Space launched its third private astronaut mission (Ax-3) in 2024, demonstrating the expansion of R&D on station with new participants in the growing low Earth orbit economy. The mission featured a variety of projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab.The Sanford Stem Cell Institute at the University of California, San Diego continued to build on stem cell research conducted on previous Axiom Space missions by studying tumor organoids in microgravity. The team seeks to identify early cancer warning signs for better diagnosis and treatment of the disease.An investigation from the National Stem Cell Foundation evaluated 3D brain models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of patients with Parkinson’s disease and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The project studied the mechanisms behind these and other neurodegenerative diseases, and results may help lead to new therapeutics for patients on Earth.The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has a longstanding partnership with the ISS National Lab to advance fundamental research on station that could lead to valuable future applications. In 2024, NSF funded 12 investigations that flew to the orbiting laboratory, ranging from tissue engineering to transport phenomena and fluid dynamics.A project from Florida International University studied the behavior of tiny, engineered particles dispersed in a liquid to form an active colloid. Results could inform a variety of applications, from targeted drug delivery to disease screening, water desalination, and photothermal therapies to treat cancer and other diseases.An investigation from the University of Connecticut leveraged microgravity conditions on the space station to test an innovative DNA-inspired Janus base nanomaterial that may help repair cartilage. Results from this investigation could lead to improved treatments for patients with degenerative joint diseases.A team from the University of Notre Dame launched the third in a series of experiments to understand bubble formation in microgravity to develop extremely sensitive biosensors for detecting trace substances in liquids. Results from this research could lead to new sensor technology for detecting early cancer markers in blood.The ISS National Lab continued its mission to prepare the scientists and engineers of the future by supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational programs and workforce development with a number of projects that launched to the space station in 2024.Genes in Space launched its 11th student investigation, a gene editing experiment from Isabel Jiang, now a freshman at Yale University. The project investigated the effects of radiation and the space environment on gene editing mechanisms. Results could shed light on genetic risks for certain diseases during spaceflight.The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program sent its 18th mission to the orbiting laboratory, engaging students from 38 communities in the scientific process to spark an interest in STEM career fields.

2024 proved to be an exciting year of launches and research on the space station. The ISS National Lab and NASA continue to work in tandem to launch payloads that benefit humanity and bring value to our nation. To learn more about research and technology development projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab, including how to propose concepts for future space-based research, visit our website.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: The International Space Station

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS® accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page.

Media Contact:            

Patrick O’Neill 

904-806-0035 

PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory
Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)

1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-year-of-space-based-innovation-iss-national-lab-sponsored-more-than-100-payloads-in-2024-advancing-rd-in-low-earth-orbit-302336489.html

SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

Optro Establishes UAE Hub to Support Rapid Transition to Agentic GRC Across the Middle East

Published

30 minutes ago

on

October 6, 2026

By

Expansion comes as UAE government mandates transition to Agentic AI models, driving demand for continuous assurance and autonomous risk governance.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Optro, the leading AI-powered GRC Intelligence Platform, today announced its expansion into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), establishing Dubai as the company’s newest regional center. The move represents a major step forward in serving global GRC teams and providing localized support for its rapidly growing customer base across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement was made at the 2026 CAE Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The expansion comes at a historic inflection point for technology governance in the region. Under the “UAE Government 4.0” directive of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, federal institutions are tasked with converting 50 percent of government sectors, services, and operations to autonomous Agentic AI models within a two-year timeline. As non-human agents gain authority to execute workflows, invoke APIs, and issue binding administrative decisions, enterprise and public-sector audit, risk, compliance, and infosec teams are facing unprecedented operational, cybersecurity, and regulatory complexities.

With strict regulatory frameworks taking shape, including Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) AI & ML Guidance, the UAE National AI Policy & Ethics guidelines, the Federal Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), and Cybersecurity Council/NESA standards, demand is surging for connected, real-time approaches to audit, risk management, data sovereignty, and non-human access control. Optro is built specifically for this paradigm shift. By deploying agentic AI tailored to regional frameworks, Optro gives local practitioners an unmatched ability to execute continuous risk assessments, manage non-human access identities, and automate live compliance mapping against evolving UAE regulations.

“Enterprises and public sector organizations across the Middle East are setting a global benchmark for autonomous innovation,” said Raul Villar Jr., Chief Executive Officer at Optro. “However, deploying agentic AI at scale requires a corresponding evolution in control and assurance. By establishing our regional hub in the UAE, we are delivering the localized presence, partner network, and agentic GRC tools required to help organizations govern autonomous operations, protect data sovereignty, and turn regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage.”

“Internal Audit and GRC functions are playing an increasingly strategic role in helping organizations strengthen resilience, enhance governance, and respond to emerging risks,” said Fady Nader, EY MENA Risk Consulting Partner. “As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation and AI-enabled ways of working, there is a growing need for integrated assurance and timely risk insights. We are pleased to collaborate with Optro in supporting organizations across the region as they evolve their governance, risk and assurance capabilities and adapt to an increasingly dynamic business environment.”

“Our alliance with Optro reflects Deloitte’s commitment to helping clients modernise their control environments,” said James Smith, Controls Assurance Leader at Deloitte Middle East. “Optro’s investment in regional data hosting is another important step and demonstrates their long-term commitment to the region and we are proud to partner with them.”

Optro’s expansion into the UAE follows the company’s recent launch of its Asia-Pacific (APAC) regional hub in Singapore, announced at The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Conference in June. Earlier this year, Optro also acquired Midship — the premier AI-native autonomous controls testing solution — delivering highly governed, enterprise-grade AI agents to Optro’s customers and prospects, enabling Optro to rapidly scale across global innovation centers, helping risk, compliance, and audit teams modernize operations and navigate complex regulatory environments in real time.

To learn more about how Optro is transforming risk into opportunity for companies around the world, visit optro.ai.

About Optro 

Optro (formerly AuditBoard) helps enterprises transform risk into opportunity through its AI-powered GRC Intelligence Platform. More than 50% of the Fortune 500 trust Optro to elevate audit, risk, and compliance in addressing a new era of risk. Optro is top-rated by customers on G2 and was named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Tools, Assurance Leaders. To learn more, visit optro.ai.

Media Contact
Laura Groshans
press@optro.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/optro-establishes-uae-hub-to-support-rapid-transition-to-agentic-grc-across-the-middle-east-302899185.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Alchemist Group strengthens technology leadership with appointment of fractional CISO

Published

30 minutes ago

on

October 6, 2026

By

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alchemist Group, the parent company behind a portfolio of sales and leadership development brands, has appointed former military cyber-specialist James Griffiths as fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as it continues to invest in proprietary technology designed to enhance learner experiences.

Bringing over 25 years’ experience across cyber-security, technology and digital transformation, including 17 years in the British Army’s Royal Corps of Signals, Griffiths will provide expertise across technology, cyber-security and digital strategy. His appointment will support the Group’s ongoing technology development while ensuring its systems and data remain secure as the business grows.

Following his military career, Griffiths helped deliver cyber-offensive capabilities for UK government organisations including the Ministry of Defence and GCHQ. He later co-founded Cyber Security Associates, scaling the business from a two-person start-up to a £15 million-plus operation with over 100 employees. He’s now founder of technology consultancy UtopianKnight. 

He joins Alchemist Group as the business builds on the recent launch of its Global Product and Technology function. The new division combines research, human expertise, product design and technology to develop learning systems for global organisations facing increasing pressure to improve performance while adapting to rapid advances in AI and workforce capability.

The function supports the Group’s three brands: Alchemist, a leadership development company; RAIN Group, a sales training specialist; and PCA Law, which provides leadership and business development training for legal professionals.

Appointing Griffiths on a fractional basis has also allowed the Group to bring in senior technology and cyber-security expertise without the lead time associated with a permanent hire.

Will Daniel, global vice president of product and technology at Alchemist Group, said: “As we continue investing in our product and technology capabilities, having the right expertise around us is critical. James brings a wealth of experience across technology and cyber-security, as well as a strategic understanding of how those areas need to support wider business objectives.”

Griffiths added: “Alchemist Group has a clear vision for the role technology can play in enhancing the development and delivery of its learning solutions and client experience, making a robust technology and cyber-security approach essential. I’m delighted to be supporting the Group at such an exciting stage in its growth, helping to align technology, security and business priorities to drive innovation, resilience and long-term success.”

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alchemist-group-strengthens-technology-leadership-with-appointment-of-fractional-ciso-302898528.html

Continue Reading

Technology

REGENESYS ANNOUNCES BOOST SCHEDULER TO ENHANCE LINKEDIN CONTENT

Published

30 minutes ago

on

October 6, 2026

By

The New Service is the Only Scheduling Tool Available to Optimize Post Performance

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Regenesys, the company that is revolutionizing LinkedIn content distribution has just announced its newest Saas tool – Boost Scheduler – which is an affordable way that allows anyone to schedule boosts for their LinkedIn content. This is an effective tool for brand awareness, trust which also increases reach, followers, profile views and LinkedIn search engine optimization (SEO) to appear at the top of searches.

Boost Scheduler allows users to select the time they wish to publish and is simple and safe to use, a great tool for agencies and social media managers. Many of their clients use this for sales, go-to-market, to meet investors, thought leadership, when exiting their company, or looking for better job opportunities.

Evan Chi, Founder and CEO of Regenesys, said, “Boost Scheduler provides the biggest bang for your buck in terms of LinkedIn performance. There is no other way to solve distribution for content besides paid ads. Our infrastructure removes the ‘luck’ element from LinkedIn. We ensure your most important content gets the eyes it deserves. If you subscribe to Post Booster, you stop leaving your company’s posts to chance. The top 1% of LinkedIn creators are using Regenesys Boost Scheduler to dominate their niche.”

“Before working with Regenesys, our LinkedIn presence was essentially a static resume. By leveraging their post-boosting technology and PR strategies, they completely unlocked our content distribution, helping us turn visibility into a predictable driver of new business. The level of inbound lead generation and profile views we’re seeing now has completely transformed how we acquire clients and grow our pipeline,” said Ryan Baird, CEO of cross border neo-investment bank Baird Augustine.

Evan Chi has also just revamped the Regenesys.io website. He will next launch Regenesys Intelligence, which will be the AI engine for social and competitor intelligence. Regenesys Intelligence will map and score your prospects’ contextual intent against your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) to surface warm signals and build predictable pipelines.

To further enhance a person or company’s posts, Regenesys also created Omniposte (Omniposte.com), which creates and distributes content across up to 13 social platforms effortlessly. 

About Regenesys

Regenesys has created a LinkedIn system that converts attention to clients more effectively than competing services. It specializes in tools that organically amplify your LinkedIn growth. The company utilizes AI and Social Intelligence to map and score prospects against Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP). Regenesys ensures that content reaches a qualified audience and automates outreach and lead generation.

Media Contact:

Frank Tortorici

frank@marketingmaven.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/regenesys-announces-boost-scheduler-to-enhance-linkedin-content-302899326.html

SOURCE Regenesys

Continue Reading

Trending