18th IAA Humans in Space Symposium (2011)
Modes of International Cooperation in Human Space Life Science
P. Sundblad,1 and C. Fuglesang1
1
Science and Applications Division, Dep. ISS Utilisation, Dir. Human Spaceflight, ESTEC, ESA
(patrik.sundblad@esa.int)
BACKGROUND
Each ISS International Partner Agency (CSA, ESA, JAXA, NASA, and RSA) implements experiments where the
Astronauts/Cosmonauts participate as research subjects. The experiments have to be implemented in a fashion that
optimise complementarities, minimise overlaps and avoid conflicts in order to have an efficient research package.
Therefore it is in the interest of all Partners to actively promote and participate in collaborating efforts that aim to
increase the throughput of research on ISS, and that allows an optimal use of this laboratory in space.
MODES OF COOPERATION
The current ways of cooperation and collaboration will be outlined, partly from the perspective of the European
Space Agency. This includes International Topical Teams, joint Research Announcements, merging of selected
experiments into one protocol, operational optimization, sharing of resources, sharing of data etc.
Benefits related to science quality and quantity will be outlined, as well as challenges and areas that could be
improved.
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