Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why was the ELMS Coalition established?
The Exploration Life & Medical Sciences Coalition was formed in March 2005 in Washington DC after the Life Science & Systems Subcommittee of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) and the American Society for Gravitational & Space Biology (ASGSB) visited various congressional staff advocating for future space life sciences research. The major overlapping agendas of these two organizations strongly suggested that joining forces would improve the impact of these efforts. Subsequently, additional science associations and small businesses who develop flight hardware for space life sciences research joined ELMS.
2. Who are its members?
Current organizational members at listed (with Web site links) in Member Organizations. We are soliciting individual members from these and other R&D organizations along with anyone who supports the ELMS goals (see below). We intend ELMS to be like a tree with broad limbs enclosing a spectrum of organizations and people, of all ages, from all over the world.
3. How are its operations funded?
We are currently a totally volunteer organization, but will be soliciting donations as soon as formal non-profit status is reached.
4. Can I join?
Yes, we strongly encourage you to do so via the Join Us page on this site. We also encourage you to send the address of this site to your colleagues, friends and family members who may wish to join too.
5. What are the benefits and responsibilities of members?
Members can choose to receive periodic alerts from the ELMS sites when there are either important Issues that need to be supported or hot news items that will be of interest from the Press Room. Members will be expected to send online emails of support via the site.
6. What evidence suggests that ELMS can make a difference in support and funding for future space life sciences research?
We have been strongly encouraged by the Successes we've had to date and feel as though we have just begun to help mobilize the space life sciences research and development communities. ELMS will continue to engage and enable these communities and the general public to advocate for space life sciences.
