PISCES
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Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES)
The volcanic soils and lunar-like terrain, diverse multi-ethnic population, and substantial scientific and technical expertise found in Hawai‘i make the islands an ideal location to support international programs for testing and evaluating innovative technologies to support future robotic and manned exploration of the Moon and Mars, as well as for training scientists, engineers and future astronauts for future space missions. Recognizing Hawai‘i’s significant history and future potential in the field of space exploration, The PISCES Project Team is working in tandem with the State of Hawai‘i to establish a center for astronaut training, aerospace education, and space technology development, testing and evaluation in Hawai‘i. Managed by a private contractor with administrative oversight by the State of Hawai‘i, the Center will also facilitate workshops, conferences, and other meetings focused on the design, development and implementation of multinational space exploration projects involving the United States, Japan, and other countries from around the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goals of PISCES will be to:
- provide a testbed for the demonstration, evaluation and validation of innovative technologies to support future robotic and human missions to the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies in our solar system;
- facilitate the training of scientists, engineers and other professionals engaged in research and development activities associated with future space exploration, with an emphasis on planetary geosciences, astronomy, and remote sensing;
- conduct in-field training programs for astronauts from the United States, Japan, and other nations engaged in multinational space missions;
- coordinate international meetings of space professionals in Hawaii toward the design, development and implementation of innovative space research programs (e.g., establishment of a lunar observatory on the far side of the Moon); and
- catalyze aerospace education programs in local secondary schools, community colleges, and universities statewide.
U.S. Project Team Contact:
Dr. Frank Schowengerdt, NASA Headquarters
Tel: 202-358-4430
E-mail: fschowen ( at ) hq.nasa.gov
Click here to download a PDF of the Hawai‘i State Resolution Supporting the PISCES Initiative
