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.  

People at a conference talking near an exhibit
The conference provided the opportunity for CSS to expand our space science network. 
People on stage wearing squid and shark hats.
The debut of the (probably) first ever Payload Pandemonium game show was a success! 

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.

People at a conference talking near an exhibit

See More CSS Insights

Quality Assurance Audit Reports 

Since 1985 we’ve supported the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and have provided more than 1,600 quality assurance audit reports that the client has used to assess the quality of toxicology studies they sponsor.    Over the last year our employee owners reviewed several studies involving per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) compounds, or “forever chemicals”,…

split pane with 1-meter land cover data on left showing details of roads, buildings, creeks, and wetlands. 30-meter land cover data on right showing blocky colors that don't provide details.

New Heavily Desired High Resolution Land Cover Data for the U.S. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced the launch of the long desired high-resolution coastal land cover data. This highly anticipated data are available for most coastal areas of the U.S., including Alaska and the U.S. territories.    CSS employee owners contributed to the release of this data set by participating in production activities and…

Bee in a large, bright yellow bloom

Over 40 Years of Support

Since 1982, members of our staff have supported EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs. As part of this contract, our staff assess environmental and human health impacts on anthropogenic chemicals. The agricultural industry is critical to food and textile production, it is a large contributor to the U.S. economy. Not only does the industry provide food…