Scientific research to prepare astronauts to venture farther into the solar system than ever before and provide real benefits to life on Earth happens every day aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Starting at 2:30 p.m. CDT (1930 GMT) Wednesday, May 21, join NASA, the current space station commander and a panel of experts as they discuss current and future research aboard this one-of-a-kind orbiting laboratory.
The discussion, entitled "Destination Station: ISS Science Forum," will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This will be the first in a new series of public discussions dedicated to science aboard the station.
The forum's panelists include:
- Elizabeth R. Cantwell, co-chair of the National Research Council's decadal study, "Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration"
- Julie Robinson, chief program scientist for the International Space Station
- Marshall Porterfield, director of the Space Life and Physical Sciences, NASA Headquarters
- Duane Ratliff, Chief Operating Officer, Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)
The forum also will include a live, interactive conversation with NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, who currently is serving as commander for the space station's Expedition 40 crew, orbiting 260 miles above Earth.