Currently two pieces of the ISS are aloft.
NASA wants to find corporate partners to fund (or in a partnership with the agency) a habitation module scheduled to be launched in 2004.
Potential investors from more than 100 businesses, large and small, are expected to attend presentations from NASA personnel, tour Johnson Space Center and sit in breakout sessions for investors.
The habitation module could house up to six astronauts depending on which version is built the Boeing-built "Common Module" concept, which is a more traditional aluminum-skinned structure or the JSC-developed Transhab, which is a multi-layered inflatable habitat.
Both modules would provide living space to include sleeping, meeting and dining areas along with workout space and showers.
Estimates to complete the Common Module or build a Transhab are about $200 million.
With calls from Congress calling for commercialization and looming budget cuts for the space agency, the timing couldnt be better.
"Were open to suggestions," said Daniel Tam, the NASA administrators special assistant for commercialization. "The bottom line is what makes sense for the private sector and the government. There has to be value for both."
Congressman Nick Lampson, D-Texas, a member of the House Science Committee thinks budget cuts wont affect the station, but private partnerships can expand and improve the station.
"Im not concerned about future operations," he said. "We have to look at attracting partners and find more innovative roles for companies to play a role though."
Tam said private money is needed to build more than the current basic habitation module planned.
According to Tam, NASA is open to most any commercial venture from science to manufacturing to even advertising and marketing.
"Were listening," he said. "If someone wants to pay for it, we (NASA) wont own it or control it."
Tam said he didnt expect a deal to be cut at the conference, but that companies would return home and start putting plans together.
"Were expecting some great things," he said. "Well give them a little time and then itll really take off."
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