ISS materials available

Please Note:

This list is preliminary and is not comprehensive. If experiments can be improved with materials not included in this list, that should be described.

Dedicated research hardware cannot be used for this program.

Allotted astronaut time may not exceed 30 minutes. Assume 15 minutes of preparation, 30 minutes maximum for conducting experiment, 10 minutes to stow equipment.

Earth observations are possible from the Cupola windows and other locations on Station. If the experiment requires specific geographic locations or specific day/night timing this should be specified.

Examples of available materials:

Extensive shop tools
Pipettes and syringes of various sizes
Plastic tubing and tube clamps
Various fabrics (clothing items, cloth, stowage bags, etc.)
Squeeze bags with straws (various sizes)

Paper products and writing implements
Laptop computers with standard office software
iPad Pro 3rd Generation. Includes Sensor Play application for data logging
Wires, batteries, Digital multimeter, some electronics components
Temperature sensors

Air temperature, humidity, and CO2 measurements
A variety of still and video cameras, lenses, and filters
Handheld portable fans
Timers and watches
Water, some lubricants

Hygiene products
Objects of various masses can be obtained for low-speed collision experiments Remote sensing devices
Attachment items (rope, string, Velcro, bungees, clips, tape)
Office supplies
Containment (Ziplock bags, tethers, bungees)

Sound sources, measurement tools
Heat sources, thermocouples
Light sources, measurement tools
Lab equipment: test tubes, forceps, agar plates filters
Centrifuge

Velocicalc meter (measures air flow; relative humidity, pressure, temperature, air speed)
Food and drink items
Foam and padding
Exercise equipment: Bike, Treadmill, Resistance bands spaceforteachers.org
Suction device

Low Tension Spring
Water filtration
30 cc Syringe
Repeater Pipette Use of some research facilities and materials might be possible on a non-interference basis. Dependencies on the following items may reduce or delay opportunities to conduct your experiment. Proposals that wish to use these should highlight the significant educational and scientific value that access allows.

Waste leaf and plant trimmings from on-going vegetation experiments
Ultrasound device
Radiation sensors
Scientific freezers

Crew Toy List

Purple Dyna band (6)
Thera band (2)
Superband ½ inch (2)
Superband ¾ inch “medium”
Superband ¾ inch “heavy”

Exercise tubing assembly
French hook (S, L, XL)
Grip Mastre
Grip Strength Dynamometer
Hand Grip

Pinch Gauge
Box with Lid
Hollow Aluminum Ball
Loop Ball
Loop Track

Eggsercizer
Steel Hollow Sphere
Travel scrabble kit
Plastic slinky
Nerf Vortex

Mini basketball hoop
Trivia Cards
Inflatable Earth, Moon, Sun, Soccer Ball
Hand Pumps

Background information about the International Space Station and the current crew on board can be found here: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/

frequently asked questions

Can I submit more than one proposal? Yes.

Are International teachers permitted to participate in this opportunity? International teachers should contact Space for Teachers to submit concepts. We will work to pair you with U.S. teachers for submission.

Can I propose experiments involving biomedical/physiological measurements (pulse, heart rate, visual acuity, etc.) Experiments that involve biomedical or physiological measurements cannot be proposed.

Can I interact with or instruct astronauts during the experiment? Experiments are recorded and will be shared with teachers after review by NASA. There is currently no real-time interaction with the astronauts during the experiments.

Can I ask that the astronaut make specific reference to my school? Within the constraints of time, the astronaut may be able to do a shoutout to your school and/or class.

Can I submit a collaborative proposal with another class/teacher? Yes, collaborative proposals are encouraged, but one educator must by the point of contact.

Will non-selected proposals be considered for future opportunities? Non-selected proposals can be resubmitted for consideration in future rounds, should they occur.

Will ISS FASTLab be offered again? This is TBD. \Who do I reach out to with questions about the program or my proposal? Please contact laura@spaceforteachers.org with any questions. Laura will route your question to the appropriate person for a response.

Does the FASTLab program offer downlink opportunities from ISS? Not at this time.

Does the ISS have X or Y available for use with my proposed project? The availability of materials and equipment can be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you should assume that any research facility or research equipment is not available for this opportunity. The Materials list gives the best indication of what you can plan to request.

Can I propose a demonstration, or does it have to be an experiment? If you have a great demo concept that hasn’t been performed before on Station, please do propose. However, please note that this opportunity is specifically intended for experiments that have a hypothesis and a measurement/observation element.