About Research Operations & Integration

The Human Research Program’s (HRP) Research Operations and Integration (ROI) element aims to:

• maximize utilization of spaceflight and ground-based spaceflight simulations for research to assess the effects of long-duration spaceflight on human systems
• develop and verify strategies to ensure optimal crew performance
• enable development and validation of an integrated suite of physical, pharmacologic, and nutritional safeguards to protect the health and performance of crewmembers.

To meet these goals, ROI develops efficient plans for conducting human research on the International Space Station and in spaceflight simulations. ROI supports research investigators by implementing science objectives and offering services, such as:

• Management and integration
• Operations and training
• Facilities and information systems
• Hardware and systems engineering

ROI provides integration support for experiments, bringing in the testing, certification, and delivery of flight hardware to space station resupply vehicles and commercial launch vehicles. The ROI team also coordinates with space station partners to develop mission-specific science complements, as well as negotiate interagency schedules, usage agreements, and international crewmember participation.

ROI manages ground facilities that support space station missions as well a suite of laboratory systems aboard the space station that support human life sciences.  More information on these facilities can be found on the ROI facilities page. More information on spaceflight simulation facilities and capabilities supported by ROI can be found on the analog missions website.

Additionally, ROI supports the implementation of cross-element data collection. Through these projects, ROI collects and stores samples or data for current or future research studies. Individual and team investigators interested in working with ROI specifically and HRP in general can learn more at HRP’s collaboration portal.