CASIS and COBRA PUMA GOLF Team Up For Commercial Research Investigation On the International Space Station and Development of ARK2 Mission Patch

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and COBRA PUMA GOLF (CPG) have partnered on a materials science research investigation that is expected to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on SpaceX-4. The launch is slated to take place no earlier than September 20, 2014. CASIS is responsible for the management of the U.S. National Laboratory on the ISS.

Through this partnership, CPG intends to conduct an investigation on the ISS National Laboratory that would research materials aimed at enhancing its future product lines.

"Since we first partnered with CASIS, we have been looking forward to this opportunity - the chance to utilize the International Space Station for out-of-the-box research and concept design," said COBRA PUMA GOLF President & CEO Bob Philion. "Through this investigation, the research and design team at COBRA PUMA GOLF hopes to gain a better understanding of certain material characteristics that can be used to create some of the most innovative and technologically advanced golf products in the market."

Additionally, CPG has the opportunity to develop the CASIS "Advancing Research Knowledge 2" or "ARK2" mission patch. ARK2 represents the latest series of CASIS-sponsored projects intended for the ISS National Laboratory, including a variety of research investigations ranging from life science, hardware development, and materials research experiments.

CPG will also have the opportunity to become the first company to leverage the CASIS trademarked seal, "Space Is In It." The "Space Is In It" seal will connect station science to American culture by singling out innovative consumer goods that are the result of space research. The seal will increase awareness of the benefits of the ISS National Lab while setting products carrying it apart from their competition.

"CASIS has been tasked by Congress and NASA to work with new and non-traditional researchers for the development of products, therapies, and services onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory," said CASIS President and Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson. "Our partnership with COBRA PUMA GOLF is an excellent example of a truly non-traditional research investigation taking advantage of the microgravity environment to advance knowledge in applied materials science."

In June of 2012, CASIS and CPG signed an initial Memorandum of Agreement (View Press Release here) Release), indicating the initial partnership between the two entities. For additional information on the research CPG and other entities are planning to send to the ISS National Laboratory, please visit this video link: http://youtu.be/tqAc_pXryo4

About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, a unique vantage point in low-Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

About COBRA PUMA GOLF: COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA North America and combines two strong brands that provide a full range of offerings to the golf industry. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles who enjoy the game. The portfolio includes COBRA Golf's high performance drivers, fairways, hybrids and irons, as well as PUMA Golf's SportLifestyle and SportLux footwear, apparel and accessories to help golfers Look Better. Feel Better. Play Better. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. COBRA PUMA GOLF is a part of PUMA SE, one of the world's leading sport lifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories.  For more information, visit cobragolf.com and cobragolf.com/pumagolf

Media Contact:            
Patrick O'Neill             
CASIS                         
[email protected] 
(321) 480-1054 (Mobile)    

Media Contact:
Rachel Rees
COBRA PUMA GOLF
[email protected] 
(760) 710-3447 (Work)

SOURCE Center for the Advancement of Science in Space