Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc.

The International Space Station (ISS) National Lab is managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its core mission is to advance U.S. leadership in commercial space, facilitate groundbreaking science not feasible on Earth, and inspire the next generation through the utilization of the ISS. CASIS is headquartered in the Space Life Sciences Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

CASIS serves as the manager of the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, providing access to the unique microgravity environment for a diverse range of commercial, academic, and government users. Its services encompass offering seed funding for research projects, providing aerospace expertise, facilitating access to space via various launch providers, and offering administrative support. The organization focuses on research across life sciences, physical sciences, technology development, and remote sensing. Key areas of research include stem cell studies, drug development, advanced materials testing, 3D printing, surgical robotics, and semiconductor advancements. CASIS also runs educational outreach programs aimed at promoting STEM education.

In recent developments, NASA extended its cooperative agreement with CASIS to manage the ISS National Lab through 2030. Ray Lugo serves as the acting chief executive officer and principal investigator for CASIS. The ISS National Lab reported a record-breaking year for scientific output in early 2026. Recent activities include partnerships with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), successful payload returns on SpaceX missions, and new astronaut expeditions dedicated to scientific research. The organization has been instrumental in enabling significant advancements, such as improved heart disease modeling, the manufacturing of artificial retinas, enhancements in semiconductor technology, and the bioprinting of human organs and tissues in space.