As the first science park in space, the George Washington Carver (GWC) Science Park forms the core of Starlab. Named after the great American scientist, the GWC Science Park was founded to honor his legacy of scientific discovery for the benefit of life on Earth.
The GWC Science Park will host core scientific components for astronauts, researchers, students, and commercial companies to use in space, while providing laboratory facilities on Earth for comparing experiment results and streamlining commercial operations. In addition to the core scientific departments – Biology, Plant Habitation, Physical Science, and Materials Science – a portion of the GWC Science Park will be available for sovereign space agencies or commercial customers to place their own payloads and equipment.
The GWC Science Park is operational today in our first location – on the International Space Station (ISS) – using Nanoracks’ existing hardware and mission management expertise. As the first in-space member of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, the GWC Science Park will provide immediate, agile access to infrastructure in space on the ISS, while allowing for a seamless transition to the Starlab commercial space stations of the future. The GWC Science Park is designed to help you solve humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Whether you’re a researcher who has never used the microgravity environment before or a seasoned space veteran; a commercial company looking to test components or offer services in space; or a student program looking to inspire the next generation, the George Washington Carver Science Park will help you get to space.
The GWC Science Park Consortium is a network of researchers, institutions, government agencies, and companies interested in utilizing the space environment for innovation. An annual membership fee grants your researchers access to a team with unparalleled microgravity experience who can plan, schedule, and fly your payload to the ISS or Starlab.