The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space STRATEGIC PLAN
Contents One-of-a-kind 2 Vision and Mission 3 Strategic Approach 4 Challenge 4 Scope 6 Strategic Goals and Objectives 7 Goal 1: Innovation Cycles 7 Goal 2: New Capabilities 8 Goal 3: Outreach 9 Operational Strategies 10 Assessment 12
One-of-a-kind Vision & Mission The Exploratory Spirit of Humankind The International Space Station (ISS) expresses the scientific aspiration, technical achievement and exploratory spirit of humankind in a remarkable and unique way. To date, 68 nations have joined to build and utilize the ISS, engaging in the design, development, assembly, operation and utilization of its one-of-a-kind capabilities. In 2010, the United States Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory (ISS NL) available for use to a broad community of users, including government agencies, commercial entities and educational institutions. Completed in 2011, 1 the ISS opened the door to a new era of inquiry. Welcoming the scientist, technologist, business person, visionary and innovator to the ISS NL. The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 directed the NASA Administrator to ensure the capacity to support space-based basic and applied scientific research in a variety of disciplines with potential direct national benefits and applications that can be advanced significantly from the uniqueness of microgravity and the space environment. 2 In 2010, Congress directed NASA to engage a management entity that would be responsible for fulfilling the intent of the 2005 Act. In 2011, NASA issued a competitive request for proposals for a cooperative agreement and in late 2011 awarded the responsibility of managing the ISS NL to the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) established to support the ISS NL. Together with NASA, which enables access to the ISS NL by providing transportation and onboard operations free of cost to all qualified users, CASIS welcomes the scientist, the technologist, the business person, the visionary and the innovator to the ISS NL, joining with them as an enabling partner and facilitator in pursuit of lasting contributions to human life, learning and knowledge. The CASIS Vision is to fully realize the unique scientific, technological and educational potential of the ISS NL by focusing both outwardly, toward exposing the scientific, technological and educational communities to the benefits that can come from research and operations in space, and inwardly, toward improving humankind s wellbeing on Earth. The outward- and inward-looking aspects of the CASIS Vision are intertwined and will require close collaboration with NASA, other government agencies, research and educational institutions, industry partners, and commercial entities committed to exploring the intellectual, technological and economic opportunities offered by space. An important focus of the CASIS mission is to engage and connect to new stakeholders who have not been traditionally involved with NASA or space research. The CASIS Mission is to enable and increase use of the ISS NL as a unique, dynamic platform for scientific discovery, technology development and education for the benefit of life on Earth. 1 Russia will launch an additional module called Nauka (meaning Science ). 2 S. 1281 (109th): National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005. U.S. Congressional Printing Office, Washington, DC (2005), April 18, 2013 http://www.govtrack. us/congress/bills/109/s1281. Photos provided courtesy of NASA. CASIS, Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, and the CASIS Center for the Advancement of Science in Space logo are trademarks of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space in the U.S. and/or other countries. 3
Strategic Approach Challenge The completion of the ISS turned the attention of NASA and CASIS to the unique physical characteristics both within the ISS and in its immediate external environment. NASA is authorized by Congress to continue ISS operations until at least 2020. 3 Additional funding to continue development and operation of the ISS NL beyond 2020 will depend in part upon whether some of the objectives described in the CASIS Strategic Plan can be achieved. The opportunities of advanced scientific research can serve as the impetus for instrumentation invention and innovation, leading to technologies for public benefit. Building a strategy that enables and sustains the aspirational Vision for CASIS requires a clear understanding of the nature of the innovation cycle, which rests on the interdependence between scientific discovery and technological innovation and requires time and investment. From this process emerges intellectual property (technologies, analytical tools and novel concepts) that creates commercial opportunities. Scientific studies designed to make use of the ISS environment have strong potential to yield fundamental discoveries and practical applications of societal value. The CASIS Strategic Plan has been developed to reflect a purposeful approach to utilization of the ISS NL within a timeframe that is not open ended but is planned to fulfill the promise of the facility. The Strategic Plan is intended to maximize the likelihood of meaningful return to the efforts undertaken by integrating scientific discovery and technology development with the service and educational components of the ISS NL. Our short-term plan is phased across a five-year horizon, with initial emphasis on areas of endeavor most likely to yield meaningful results within two to three years. In parallel, CASIS will build capabilities and facilitate long-term efforts required to realize the opportunities for novel and potentially transformative discoveries enabled by scientific research in space in areas that either complement or broaden existing NASA basic research programs. Omics: A model innovation cycle The promise of cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs is best pursued through multidisciplinary efforts that may challenge institutional or international boundaries. While the ISS NL represents U.S. investment and innovation, it joins with other national laboratories in a collaborative spirit that reaches across organizational and political boundaries. The innovation cycle of breakthrough science driving new technologies leading to commercial opportunities and again to transformative science is best served by a broad-based, unfettered science and technology development approach. One example of this cycle that has already demonstrated significant scientific, technological and commercial benefits may be found in the development and use of high-throughput molecular and biochemical analysis techniques. These technologies and the science afforded by them are revolutionizing biology, medicine, agriculture, drug discovery and environmental research. With regard to biology, advances in computer systems and analysis techniques known as bioinformatics together with these technologies have given rise to new fields and knowledge collectively labeled omics. These include genomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Understanding biological diversity at the genome level can yield insight into origins of individual traits, functioning of biological systems and susceptibility to disease. Omics-based discovery techniques can define the fingerprint of metabolism adaptive protein function, biophysical sensing and homeostatic balance within the genetic makeup that embodies an individual s physiology at any given point in time. Through the examination of human biological samples (e.g., serum, urine, muscle biopsies, biofluids) collected during microgravity exposure onboard the ISS and during post-microgravity exposure over time, a clear understanding of an individual s biological adaptability and response to microgravity can be defined. Such an approach can help create a robust basis for management of individually tailored health and medical profiles during long-duration spaceflight while at the same time pioneering the determination of cause and effect of terrestrial disease and contributing to the development of personalized medicine for citizens of the Earth. The results of programmatic omics research that could be pursued by CASIS and NASA together represent just one pathway for transformative work onboard the ISS reflected in the CASIS Vision, focusing both outwardly, toward addressing the challenges to space exploration and travel, and inwardly, toward improving humankind s wellbeing on Earth. The Strategic Plan is intended to maximize the likelihood of meaningful returns. 3 Public Law 111-267 (111th). National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010. Government Printing Office (Authenticated Government Information/Electronic Document). Accessed on April 25, 2013 at http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/649377main_pl_111-267.pdf 5
Strategic Approach Scope Strategic Goals & objectives Goal 1: Innovation Cycles The ISS NL is intended to serve as a dynamic platform for technological innovation, development and testing; a facility enabling scientific development and discovery; a commercial facility for early product development and later-stage market driven studies; and an educational platform aimed at spurring curiosity and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. In addition, the legislation that established CASIS mandated the development of an economic model capable of sustaining the organization over time. The scope of the CASIS strategic plan will encompass all of these roles while remaining open to additional roles not anticipated at this time. The plan presents three strategic goals with specific objectives and performance targets aimed at fulfilling the CASIS vision through operational strategies for CASIS focused on supporting the Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals. An assessment framework enabling development of appropriate metrics aligned with the phasing of the plan is also established. CASIS will establish a robust innovation cycle where first-class science drives the development of technologies, new intellectual property and commercial opportunities, which in turn drive new ideas and novel first-class science. Space-based research includes fundamental science in well-established areas as well as emergent sciences found at discipline boundaries. Most research conducted in space is interdisciplinary in nature, requiring scientists and developers to step out of their comfort zones. Addressing the great challenges lying ahead of us requires leveraging the talent and resources of all stakeholders across academia, industry and government interested in the success of the ISS NL. The transformational impact that CASIS aims to accomplish requires empowering new communities, new approaches, new tools, new challenges and new solutions to support discovery and innovation in the unique environment of the ISS NL through pursuit of the following objectives: Convene and coordinate high-level discussions of science, education and technology development among interested parties, focused upon setting priorities and developing capabilities supporting cutting-edge science and advances in impactful technologies encompassing the inward- and outward- facing goals of the ISS NL. Define an initial set of key areas for science and technology on which to focus, such as biomedicine (encompassing biological and medical research, from basic science to related technologies, tools and applications), materials (a spectrum from biological to chemical, self-renewing structures and smart materials), and physics (gravity, flow, surface and volume forces). Develop a strong program for research addressing problems that require work in space and would have the greatest impact on life on Earth: role of gravity in biological processes (infection, metabolism, stem cells, regeneration, immunity); processing in extreme conditions (flow, transport); human physiology in space (tissue loss and deconditioning, aging, neurovestibular and visual changes, neural plasticity); imaging; and microphysiological tissue platforms for medical research (study of toxicity, radiation, disease, personalized therapeutics, healing, regeneration). Empowering new communities, new approaches, new tools, new challenges and new solutions. Actively create opportunities for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaboration to enable and catalyze scientific research and technology development at the boundaries of disciplines. The opportunities and initiatives aligned with these objectives will lead to the following performance targets or outcomes: The CASIS research portfolio is balanced across the range of key areas, including those areas emerging at disciplinary boundaries; The community of scientists and technology developers has increased and become more diverse, with numerous partnerships and collaborations; and CASIS has achieved a sustained innovation cycle of science, new technology, new intellectual property and commercial development. 7
Strategic Goals & objectives Strategic Goals & objectives Goal 2: New Capabilities Goal 3: Outreach The second Strategic Goal is aimed at maximizing near-term activities of the ISS NL. Utilize the ISS for developing new capabilities based on existing proof-ofconcept technologies, while allowing time for longer-term scientific and commercial initiatives to develop. The past 30 years have seen rapid growth in technologies applicable to use in space. 4 The development of new smart materials engineered for emergent properties together with new manufacturing processes (biosynthesis, integrated computational materials engineering and processing, additive manufacturing) proved to be disruptive to new products and supply-chain dynamics. The President s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, announced in 2011, recognizes the importance of advanced manufacturing research and technology to the nation s future and calls for partnerships to build new manufacturing capabilities in critical industries and to develop new technologies to reduce manufacturing life cycles. 5 Advanced manufacturing and technology development in space has been envisioned for decades, 6 but the readiness of the ISS NL to pursue these objectives is new. CASIS in coordination with NASA will build upon decades of investment into space-based technologies and capitalize on opportunities for near-to-market technology manufacturing, testing or deployment using the ISS NL by pursuing these objectives: Leverage and foster synergistic approaches to space technologies, including communications and informatics such as remote sensing, geospatial informatics, in situ space monitoring, wideband telecommunications and space power systems. Accelerate the development of function-specific sensors for Earth observations, remote sensing, satellite servicing and defense support. Pursue research opportunities for materials development and testing. Enable commercial companies to realize the benefits that space-based research can have toward their technology development (e.g., 3-D printing, composites, pharmaceutical, human health, Earth observation detector development and smart materials). In accord with the CASIS Vision, identify near-term technology demonstration opportunities with potential market value, and enter into collaborative projects to accelerate their development. Successful realization of these objectives will lead to the following outcomes: CASIS has developed the ISS NL as a technology platform and test bed; and CASIS has developed partnerships and programs leveraging the ISS and contributing to national technology initiatives. The final Strategic Goal is aimed at increased awareness and utilization of the ISS NL as a resource for education as well as science and technology development. Undertake a strong public outreach promoting the value of the ISS NL to the nation, and establish the ISS NL as a leading laboratory and environment for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. In 2005, the National Academies published a landmark study on American competitiveness. 7 The authors made three major recommendations taken under advisement by successive Presidential Administrations and Congresses since publication: (1) increased funding for research, (2) increased support of innovation, and (3) strengthening of K-12 and higher education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. CASIS seeks an integrated approach that makes use of the ISS NL as one-of-a-kind learning and research environment, leveraging research and encouraging innovation in education. CASIS will support a range of learning experiences with focus on those providing engaging content by means of flight opportunities and hands-on science and technology demonstrations. In addition, CASIS will partner with outreach programs to inform the public and stakeholders about the value of the ISS NL and to increase utilization of the laboratory by a growing community of researchers, commercial interests, technology developers and educators, as follows: Partner with foundations, associations, government entities, corporations, individuals and advocacy groups, facilitating the development of STEM content affiliated with the ISS NL and carrying out joint activities and initiatives promoting interest in science, R&D and the ISS NL. Cultivate existing research ecosystems made up of active science programs, affiliated commercial entities and STEM initiatives in order to leverage existing development and infrastructure, developing research flight opportunities with associated STEM content. Enhance media presence and marketing of CASIS Vision, Mission and the capabilities onboard the ISS NL to research, technology and education stakeholders, promoting successes as they accrue and emphasizing value of the ISS NL to the nation. Implementation of these and related activities support the following outcomes: New partnerships exist promoting STEM education using ISS NL-related content in a variety of educational settings, delivered through a variety of media and methods; and Awareness and utilization of the ISS NL among key stakeholder groups has increased and is continuing to grow. Inform the public and stakeholders about the value of the ISS NL. 4 1 Introduction. Space Technology for the New Century. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1998. 5 National Science and Technology Council, A National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing. Washington, DC: 2012. Accessed May 17, 2013 at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/iam_advancedmanufacturing_strategicplan_2012.pdf 6 Satellite Insurance and Space Commercialization: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 7 United States Senate, Ninety-ninth Congress, First Session... November 7, 1985 National Research Council. Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2005. 9
Operational Strategies Develop additional resources in the form of partnerships and funding. In order to realize its Vision and Mission and successfully execute this Strategic Plan, CASIS will incorporate three first principles or operational strategies into its day-to-day activities. These strategies are key enablers for the organization and permeate all initiatives. CASIS will: Reach out to user communities through stakeholder conversations and collaborations. Government agencies, private companies, universities and not-for-profit organizations and associations operate according to different priorities, using different time scales, toolsets and objectives. Understanding and respecting these differences is essential to developing successful cooperative approaches for multidisciplinary, multi-entity partnerships and collaborations. CASIS will interact with members of the science, engineering and education communities as well as government agencies, industry partners, startups, businesses, technology incubators and international entities in order to understand their objectives, values, constraints and offerings. Throughout, CASIS will incorporate a customer-centered value system and operational environment, demonstrating leadership in the development of transformational science, technology and commercial ventures. Develop a robust financial model to supplement government funding. CASIS funding from NASA is currently projected at $15M per year, to cover operating costs and to provide seed money for promising R&D. To meet the variety of demands on personnel, infrastructure, business processes and outreach that will grow over time, CASIS must develop additional resources in the form of partnerships and funding and create rigorous business and economic models in order to sustain these. Sources will include private financiers, corporate sponsorship, philanthropists and federal grants that may leverage cost sharing and equity investment in new ventures. Additionally, CASIS will practice management excellence in its operating models to ensure costs are minimized while ISS utilization is maximized effectively toward mission success. Practice management excellence, demonstrating leadership and accountability and creating a culture of creativity and innovation within the organization. Organizations rise to a high performance level when the individuals within them understand their roles and responsibilities, inculcate shared responsibility for maintaining organizational cohesion and values, and encourage creativity and innovation in day-to-day activities and organizational growth. Clear expectations for exemplary behavior begin with the leadership team. CASIS management will be held to the highest standards for performance and will promote integrity, professionalism and ongoing commitment to excellence. 11
Assessment Develop an assessment framework for evaluating the performance of CASIS and the ISS NL. CASIS will evaluate progress toward strategic goals and performance targets by multiple measures and metrics. Since the development and implementation of organizational and strategic initiatives proceed along different time scales, the methods used to evaluate them also will be developed and applied at different points in the organizational development and maturity cycle. An assessment framework for evaluating the performance of CASIS and the ISS NL, together with metrics appropriate to these evaluations, will be developed and presented as part of the CASIS Annual Performance Plan.