National Geographic and CASIS Partner to Develop a Multi-Sensor, Next-Generation Imaging Suite on Board the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (Sept. 25, 2014) - The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) today announced a partnership with the National Geographic Society to utilize data produced on board the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory capable of developing images to inspire and educate from humankind's greatest learning platform. This follows a prior announcement between CASIS and the United Nations Operational Satellite Applications Program (UNOSAT) last month focused on the advancement of a next-generation hyperspectral imager on the ISS.

Based on discussions with potential customers including National Geographic, CASIS, manager of the ISS National Lab, has elected to expand the use of the Good Earth imaging suite to include multiple next-generation sensors, such as hyperspectral, light detection and radar, synthetic aperture radar and high-resolution panchromatic. Ultimately, these enhanced capabilities will utilize data-fusion techniques to improve the value of any image obtained on the ISS. The primary intent of these imagers will be to utilize the unique vantage point of the ISS for prototype technology development and advanced technology imagery for images relative to humanitarian relief, disaster recovery and prevention, and in-country planning and development as well as other commercial applications.

Through this partnership, National Geographic and CASIS seek to jointly promote space-derived imagery in an effort to highlight new scientific discoveries from the ISS.

National Geographic, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, has a global reach of more than 600 million people a month through its various media platforms, products and events. The partnership could allow National Geographic's vast audience to view the world in a whole new way - 250 miles above our planet.

We are honored to be working with the National Geographic Society to radically improve how we understand our planet through imagery captured from the International Space Station, said CASIS President and Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson.

Our collaboration with CASIS represents the latest example of National Geographic's pursuit of innovative visual storytelling techniques. Access to not only new images but an entirely new way of seeing our world is consistent with our strategic focus on exploration, education and storytelling, said National Geographic's Senior Vice President, Global Strategy and Business Development, Adam R. Sutherland.

About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

About the National Geographic Society: With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the 126-year-old National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Working to inspire, illuminate and teach, the member-supported Society reaches over 600 million people worldwide each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

LINK:	http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2014/09/25/national-geographic-and...
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