An overview of International Space Station utilization preparation and planning

The International Space Station (ISS) is being designed and constructed to support the investigational needs of a wide range of research disciplines: Microgravity; Life Sciences; Earth and Space Sciences; Commercialization; and Engineering Research and Technology. In addition to the payloads being developed for specific, targeted research investigations, there are also a number of multi-user/facility class payloads being developed which will be capable of supporting a wide range of investigators and their investigations. One of the challenges for the ISS Program is integrating the research needs, payloads and facilities of these research disciplines into a cohesive research program which will optimize the research potential of the ISS. The Research Mission Management Office will be responsible for ensuring that the research priorities are determined and reflected in the execution of the research on the ISS.