SPACE :
The Next Frontier
Two hundred and twenty miles above the Earth , tiny baby squid , no more than three millimeters in length , held the key to learning more about the human immune system and the balance between health and disease .
Aboard the International Space Station ( ISS ), researchers working with the University of Florida recreated an ecosystem unrestricted by the effects of gravity to study microbe interaction in living cells . By observing microbes within the squid in a near weightless environment , researchers secured a better understanding of the role microbes play in activating and regulating the immune system .
The presence and absence of gravity bears greatly on numerous life and physical science research for public and private institutions across the Florida High Tech Corridor and beyond . Institutions located throughout The Corridor region are uniquely positioned to leverage their proximity to Florida ’ s Space Coast for research in perhaps the most unique lab environment available , aboard the ISS .
Based at Kennedy Space Center , the Center for Advancement of Science in Space ( CASIS ) works with organizations and companies to get their projects “ off the ground .” A not-for-profit , with funding from the U . S . government , CASIS is responsible for enabling ISS access and dollars for research and technical developments of benefit to the planet and humankind .
The market for space research has grown significantly since CASIS was founded five years ago and appointed by Congress to manage the U . S . National Laboratory on the ISS . In fiscal year 2012 , CASIS awarded four research projects for the ISS . In fiscal year 2015 , CASIS awarded and supported nearly 50 research project requests . That ’ s a clear opportunity for The Corridor ’ s growing private space exploration industry .
“ Having more players and suppliers in the marketplace , as well as the efforts of SpaceX , Orbital ATK and other companies working to find a way to make breakthroughs and money , drives innovation ,” said Dr . Michael Roberts , CASIS deputy chief scientist .
According to Roberts , the challenges of space make it the perfect environment for advanced research involving biological systems . “ The microgravity environment of space accelerates disease onset , mimicking what happens here on Earth , but at a faster rate ,”
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