- CSS News
- Space Science Application Support & Operations
International Space Station Research and Development Conference

CSS recently attended the International Space Station Research and Development Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. This conference is a gathering of professionals conducting research and developing technology in the microgravity environment of space. CSS was a gold sponsor for the conference and co-hosted a session entitled Payload Pandemonium along with the director of payload operations for the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, and the NASA manager of the ISS Research Integration Office. The hosts led participants through (probably the first ever) payload operations game, which helped the audience understand payload procedures, timeline, and contingencies. Participants played for a chance to win a bottle of Zero Gravity wine from Michael David Winery, wine that was made using isolated yeast from grape juice launched into space and fermented in the microgravity environment. The audience was excited and engaged in the game.
Throughout the conference CSS senior management met with potential partners, attended sessions, and networked with space scientists and colleagues.


For 25 years CSS has supported space science research and technology and continues to grow the science portfolio. As CSS continues to expand the space division, this conference was the optimal way for CSS to make connections as well as build and foster partnerships.

See More CSS Insights

Assisting South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network
CSS employee owner and Marine Mammal Microplastic Specialist supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science assists the South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network in responding to dead marine mammals when they strand on beaches or estuaries throughout South Carolina. This is work is critical for human and environmental health because it provides invaluable samples…

Emergency Response Support for the Republican National Convention
CSS employee owners on contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Portable High-throughput Integrated Laboratory Identification System — a mobile analytical unit known as PHILIS — provided emergency response support for the 2024 Republican National Convention. PHILIS mobile laboratory units are designed to provide onsite analysis of environmental conditions, including air and soil samples, contaminated…

Engaging in New and Emergent Satellite Technologies
CSS employee owners (formerly Riverside employees) support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service’s (NESDIS) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). STAR is the science arm of NESDIS, which acquires and manages the nation’s environmental satellites for NOAA. Satellite observations are critical to informing situational awareness and…