International Space Station

Tool Competition for ISS:  Design a 3-D Printed Tool for Astronauts to Use Aboard the Space Station  The ISS Design Challenge, sponsored by Mouser Electronics, offers an opportunity for college students to suggest tools for International Space Station astronauts. Top concepts could be manufactured with 3-D printing hardware aboard the six person orbiting science laboratory. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, a previous space station commander, will be among the judges.

Health Care Research in Space:  What are the long-term health effects of living in space? NASA is studying twins Mark and Scott Kelly to find out   NASA’s twins study could reveal changes to humans working in a low gravity spaceenvironment that were too subtle to recognize previously. The subjects are retired NASA astronaut twins Scott and Mark Kelly. Scott returned to Earth on Mar. 1, after a U.S. record-setting 340 days in space. Scientists are comparing Scott and Mark down to the genetic level in order to help prepare future astronauts for month’s to year’s long missions to deep space destinations.

Astronaut Speaks to Young Cancer Patients:  It’s An Amazing World Of Discovery Up Here: NASA Kate Rubins To MD Anderson Children  NASA’s Kate Rubins, an astronaut aboard the International Space Station and a biologist, spoke with young patients at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Rubins wore a special space suit for the occasion, one painted in bright colors by several of the patients. Asked by one of the patients what it takes to become an astronaut, Rubins replied, “You need to be curious and motivated for discovery and for research. There’s so much to discover up here.”

Kelly Speaks on Space:  Kelly shares his perspectives on space, environment during Trinity speech  Astronaut Scott Kelly, who holds the U.S. record for the longest spaceflight, 340 days, was a guest at Trinity University. In a talk with students, Kelly said the record-setting flight that ended Mar. 1 offered him a new appreciation for gravity and the Earth’s beauty. “We take care of our SpaceStation in space because it keeps us alive,” Kelly told his audience. “I think we need to do that on Earth, too.”  (See also:  Astronaut Scott Kelly’s year in spaceto be developed as movie)

Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group (http://www.bayareahouston.com/content/c_s_e/c_s_e) – has traveled to Washington, D.C. the past 24 years to meet face-to-face with Members/staff of Congress to discuss the value of America’s investment in space exploration. In order to sustain that dialogue on a regular basis, Citizens distributes “Space Exploration Update” to Congressional offices on a weekly basis. The intent is to provide an easy, quick way to stay abreast of key human space exploration program and policy developments.