NASA researchers on board the International Space Station (ISS) have spent years developing new technologies in space in order to benefit the lives of people living on Earth.
What many people may not realize is just how much time and effort it takes for these scientists to produce breakthrough innovations in different fields such as medicine and space exploration.
This is one of the reasons why NASA has decided to release a new book, titled Benefits for Humanity, which showcases how researchers living on the ISS carry out their studies in conditions unlike those on Earth.
It presents benefits in several key areas of knowledge including disaster relief, human health and programs on education designed to help inspire future space explorers, scientists and engineers.
"Some 250 miles overhead, astronauts are conducting critical research not possible on Earth, which makes tremendous advances in our lives while helping to expand human presence beyond low Earth orbit," associate administrator William Gerstenmaier of NASA's Human Exploration and Operations explained.
"In the next few years, SpaceX and Boeing will send our crews to orbit from the United States, increasing the size of space station crews to seven, doubling the amount of crew time to conduct research for all of humanity."
Since it was first launched in November 2000, the International Space Station has been occupied by over 200 individuals and a multitude of commercial and international spacecraft.
The continued operation of the ISS demonstrates the long-term cooperation between five space agencies that represent 15 different countries. Researchers working on the space station share a common goal of utilizing its orbital facility for the benefit of civilization.
The space station's chief scientist, Julie Robinson, pointed out how many people may not realize that they have benefitted from advancements made on the ISS.
She said studies conducted on the orbital facility have produced devices engineered to help control the effects of asthma as well as detection systems that allow for better monitoring of the planet and improved response to natural disasters.
Researchers working on developing effective drugs for different illnesses make use of the space station's Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), which is also called Kibo.
Deputy Director Kazuyuki Tasaki of the JAXA JEM Utilization Center said the ISS and Kibo offer a wide range of potential benefits to humankind just like how it has benefited from the invention of the computer.
The new NASA book is set to be released, both in print and online, at the fourth annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference being held at Boston, Massachusetts.
