Quantcast
International Space Station conference kicks off in Boston – Metro US

International Space Station conference kicks off in Boston

International Space Station conference kicks off in Boston
NASA

The fourth annual conference for the International Space Station’s researchers and astronauts is touching down in Boston this week. The four-day event, studded with big-name stars from the science community, kicked off Monday night at the Copley Marriott.

The city, a first-time host for the conference, is a perfect fit, said Patrick O’Neill, marketing and operations manager for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, the organization that runs the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.

“From a research perspective, we’ve done quite a lot of work in and around Boston,” he said. “The general rich history of Boston when it comes to research, academia and general innovation, all of those things align very much so with what we’re trying to do in the space station.”

Featured in the hotel will be talks from NASA astronauts and showcases of the “paraphernalia” of space research, O’Neill said.

Gov. Charlie Baker is set to make an appearance during the presentation of $500,000 in research grant funds to Massachusetts life sciences companies.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Motors, speaks Tuesday morning.

The public is welcome. Tickets are still available on a walk-up-only basis, and start at $250 for a one-day pass.