CASIS: It Takes More Than Golf to Utilize the ISS

CASIS Signs Deal with COBRA PUMA GOLF for Research on ISS

"The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with COBRA PUMA GOLFTM to carry out materials research projects on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory for use in its sporting goods products line."

CASIS & PGA Hosting STEM Camp This Week

"Combining instruction in the principles of both science and golf, 20 Title I students from St. Lucie County Schools will take part in the first-ever PGA STEM Enrichment Camp at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance this week, June 18-22."

Keith's note: CASIS certainly seems to have an interest in golfing. To be certain, golf balls are composed of rather sophisticated composites that are constantly tweaked to enhance performance. And the market is huge for balls that have even the slightest edge over the competitors. Maybe microgravity can provide an edge in the development of new polymers. As for the golf STEM camp - when I was in grad school I hacked a program on a PDP-8 computer that had been designed to calculate cannon ball trajectories so as to become a satellite launcher. Trajectories are trajectories. There are many ways to teach the concept. Some people may think golf deals are beyond CASIS' scope. I disagree. I see business and learning. And I see an effort to engage a new sector of commerce and consumers normally not part of the space utilization community. Well done. Do more, please.

That said, while CASIS is promoting its golf-in-space efforts, it has totally ignored its partner Nanoracks as it makes an announcement - and does so at a conference that CASIS itself co-sponsored. Oh yes, with the exception of two tweets @ISSCASIS was totally mute at the ISS conference in Denver. Indeed, only half a dozen or so people were using Twitter (#ISSRDC) to talk about what was happening at the conference. I have only found 2 articles - from the Huntsville Times - that refer to news from the conference. And nothing was webcast. How CASIS is going to expand visibility of ISS capabilities when it drops the ball like this escapes me. It takes more than a few golf agreements, CASIS.

Golf or Science: What is NASA's Plan for the Space Station?, Earlier post