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Space Station Cell Studies
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things, from single-celled bacteria to plants and animals containing vast numbers of them. Cells have adapted for a wide variety of settings and functions. Nerve cells in humans and animals, for example, have long, thin extensions that rapidly transmit signals, while rigid, blocky cells support the structure of plants.
Cell biology is the study of cell structure, function, and behavior. For humans, scientists in this field explore the mechanisms of diseases from bone loss to cancer and work on developing treatments.
Cell-based experiments on The International Space Station help identify how spaceflight affects people and other living systems, with applications for future space exploration and life on Earth.
JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa prepares to examine cells for Cell Gravisensing in the JAXA Confocal Microscope (COSMIC).NASA
Recent experiments have revealed that individual animal cells react to the effects of gravity, but how they do so is largely unknown. Cell Gravisensing, an investigation from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), examines the molecular mechanism behind the ability of cells to sense gravity. Results could support development of drugs to treat muscle atrophy and osteoporosis in space and on Earth.
Cardiovascular cells Microscopic view of cells from the lining of blood vessels cultured for the STaARS BioScience-3 experiment. University of Florida
In microgravity, some astronauts experience changes in their cardiovascular system, including reduced blood volume and diminished cardiac output. An earlier investigation, STaARS Bioscience-3, examined the mechanisms behind these changes at the cellular and genetic level. The research revealed that, after only three days of spaceflight, there were changes in the expression of more than 11,000 genes in blood vessel cells that could alter their functions. The results laid the groundwork for additional research into cell response to spaceflight that could help protect the health of crew members on future missions and people with cardiovascular diseases on Earth.
Neural cellsSTaARS BioScience-4 examined microgravity’s effects on neural stem cells that give rise to central nervous system cells. Researchers found changes in production and consumption of energy and increased breakdown of cellular components in these cells, responses that likely enhance adaptation to microgravity. The finding also highlights the importance of providing astronauts with sufficient energy for cognitive and physiological function on future missions.
Fish cells A preflight image of samples and sample chambers for the Fish Scales investigation. Mitchell/Prange
Goldfish scales have many of the same proteins, minerals, and cell types as the bones of mammals. The JAXA Fish Scales investigation analyzed goldfish scales exposed to three times Earth’s gravity, simulated microgravity, and microgravity on orbit. Researchers determined that goldfish scales can be used as a model to help them understand how human bones respond to spaceflight.
Mouse cellsResearch with model organisms like rodents has relevance to humans in space and makes significant contributions to understanding human aging, disease, and the effects of microgravity on biological and physical processes. JAXA’s Stem Cells studied how spaceflight affected the DNA and chromosomes of embryonic mouse stem cells, and their ability to develop into adult mice after return to Earth.
Researchers analyzed unaltered cells and cells given a mutation to increase responsiveness to radiation. They found no chromosomal differences between the unaltered space-flown cells and ground controls, but the mutated cells had more DNA abnormalities. The work could enhance the understanding of radiation effects on human cancer and improve risk assessment for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
NASA astronauts Drew Morgan and Christina Koch work on rodent research hardware. NASA
Another study used tissue samples from RR-1, which are available through NASA’s GeneLab open data repository. Analysis showed that the heart can adapt to the stress of spaceflight in just 30 days. The researchers observed genetic changes suggesting that this adaptation may facilitate survival in space and could have applications in treating heart disease in space and on Earth.
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Space Station Cell Studies
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things, from single-celled bacteria to plants and animals containing vast numbers of them. Cells have adapted for a wide variety of settings and functions. Nerve cells in humans and animals, for example, have long, thin extensions that rapidly transmit signals, while rigid, blocky cells support the structure of plants.
Cell biology is the study of cell structure, function, and behavior. For humans, scientists in this field explore the mechanisms of diseases from bone loss to cancer and work on developing treatments.
Cell-based experiments on The International Space Station help identify how spaceflight affects people and other living systems, with applications for future space exploration and life on Earth.
JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa prepares to examine cells for Cell Gravisensing in the JAXA Confocal Microscope (COSMIC).NASARecent experiments have revealed that individual animal cells react to the effects of gravity, but how they do so is largely unknown. Cell Gravisensing, an investigation from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), examines the molecular mechanism behind the ability of cells to sense gravity. Results could support development of drugs to treat muscle atrophy and osteoporosis in space and on Earth.
Cardiovascular cells Microscopic view of cells from the lining of blood vessels cultured for the STaARS BioScience-3 experiment. University of FloridaIn microgravity, some astronauts experience changes in their cardiovascular system, including reduced blood volume and diminished cardiac output. An earlier investigation, STaARS Bioscience-3, examined the mechanisms behind these changes at the cellular and genetic level. The research revealed that, after only three days of spaceflight, there were changes in the expression of more than 11,000 genes in blood vessel cells that could alter their functions. The results laid the groundwork for additional research into cell response to spaceflight that could help protect the health of crew members on future missions and people with cardiovascular diseases on Earth.
Neural cellsSTaARS BioScience-4 examined microgravity’s effects on neural stem cells that give rise to central nervous system cells. Researchers found changes in production and consumption of energy and increased breakdown of cellular components in these cells, responses that likely enhance adaptation to microgravity. The finding also highlights the importance of providing astronauts with sufficient energy for cognitive and physiological function on future missions.
Fish cells A preflight image of samples and sample chambers for the Fish Scales investigation. Mitchell/PrangeGoldfish scales have many of the same proteins, minerals, and cell types as the bones of mammals. The JAXA Fish Scales investigation analyzed goldfish scales exposed to three times Earth’s gravity, simulated microgravity, and microgravity on orbit. Researchers determined that goldfish scales can be used as a model to help them understand how human bones respond to spaceflight.
Mouse cellsResearch with model organisms like rodents has relevance to humans in space and makes significant contributions to understanding human aging, disease, and the effects of microgravity on biological and physical processes. JAXA’s Stem Cells studied how spaceflight affected the DNA and chromosomes of embryonic mouse stem cells, and their ability to develop into adult mice after return to Earth.
Researchers analyzed unaltered cells and cells given a mutation to increase responsiveness to radiation. They found no chromosomal differences between the unaltered space-flown cells and ground controls, but the mutated cells had more DNA abnormalities. The work could enhance the understanding of radiation effects on human cancer and improve risk assessment for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
NASA astronauts Drew Morgan and Christina Koch work on rodent research hardware. NASAAnother study used tissue samples from RR-1, which are available through NASA’s GeneLab open data repository. Analysis showed that the heart can adapt to the stress of spaceflight in just 30 days. The researchers observed genetic changes suggesting that this adaptation may facilitate survival in space and could have applications in treating heart disease in space and on Earth.
Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASAHumans In Space
Latest News from Space Station Research
Space Station Research and Technology Tools and Information
Space Station Research Results
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NASA Continues Search for Moon-Focused Sustainability Solutions
NASA is accepting U.S. submissions for the second phase of the agency’s LunaRecycle Challenge, a Moon-focused recycling competition. The challenge aims to develop solutions for recycling common trash materials – like fabrics, plastics, foam, and metals – that could accumulate from activities such as system operations, industrial activities, and building habitats in deep space.
Phase 2 of the LunaRecycle Challenge is divided into two levels: a milestone round and the final round. Submissions for the milestone round are open until January 2026, with finalists from that round announced in February. Up to 20 finalists from the milestone round will compete in the challenge’s in-person prototype demonstrations and final judging, slated for the following August. Cash prizes totaling $2 million are available for successful solutions in both rounds.
“NASA is eager to see how reimagining these materials can be helpful to potential future planetary surface missions,” said Jennifer Edmunson, acting program manager for Centennial Challenges at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “I’m confident focusing on the most critical trash items – and integration of the prototype and digital twin competition tracks – will yield remarkable solutions that could enable a sustainable human presence off-Earth and transform the future of space exploration.”
Estimates indicate a crew of four astronauts could generate more than 2,100 kilograms (4,600 pounds) of single-use waste – including food packaging, plastic films, foam packaging, clothing, and more – within 365 days. Successful solutions in LunaRecycle’s Phase 2 should manage realistic trash volumes while minimizing resource inputs and crew time and operating safely with minimal hazards.
Phase 2 is only open to U.S. individuals and teams. Participants can submit solutions regardless of whether they competed in the earlier Phase 1 competition.
All Phase 2 participants are expected to build a physical prototype. In addition, participants can submit a digital twin of their prototype for additional awards in the milestone and final rounds.
The LunaRecycle Challenge is a NASA Centennial Challenge, part of the Prizes, Challenges and Crowdsourcing Program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. LunaRecycle Phase 1 received record-breaking interest from the global innovator community. The challenge received more than 1,200 registrations – more than any competition in the 20-year history of Centennial Challenges – and a panel of 50 judges evaluated nearly 200 submissions. Seventeen teams were selected as Phase 1 winners, representing five countries and nine U.S. states. Winners were announced via livestream on NASA Marshall’s YouTube channel.
LunaRecycle is managed at NASA Marshall with subject matter experts primarily at the center, as well as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. NASA, in partnership with The University of Alabama College of Engineering, manages the challenge with coordination from former Centennial Challenge winner AI SpaceFactory and environmental sustainability industry member Veolia.
To learn more about LunaRecycle’s second phase, including registration for upcoming webinars, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/lunarecycle
-end-
Jasmine Hopkins
NASA Headquarters, Washington
321-432-4624
jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov
Taylor Goodwin
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-0034
taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov
NASA Continues Search for Moon-Focused Sustainability Solutions
NASA is accepting U.S. submissions for the second phase of the agency’s LunaRecycle Challenge, a Moon-focused recycling competition. The challenge aims to develop solutions for recycling common trash materials – like fabrics, plastics, foam, and metals – that could accumulate from activities such as system operations, industrial activities, and building habitats in deep space.
Phase 2 of the LunaRecycle Challenge is divided into two levels: a milestone round and the final round. Submissions for the milestone round are open until January 2026, with finalists from that round announced in February. Up to 20 finalists from the milestone round will compete in the challenge’s in-person prototype demonstrations and final judging, slated for the following August. Cash prizes totaling $2 million are available for successful solutions in both rounds.
“NASA is eager to see how reimagining these materials can be helpful to potential future planetary surface missions,” said Jennifer Edmunson, acting program manager for Centennial Challenges at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “I’m confident focusing on the most critical trash items – and integration of the prototype and digital twin competition tracks – will yield remarkable solutions that could enable a sustainable human presence off-Earth and transform the future of space exploration.”
Estimates indicate a crew of four astronauts could generate more than 2,100 kilograms (4,600 pounds) of single-use waste – including food packaging, plastic films, foam packaging, clothing, and more – within 365 days. Successful solutions in LunaRecycle’s Phase 2 should manage realistic trash volumes while minimizing resource inputs and crew time and operating safely with minimal hazards.
Phase 2 is only open to U.S. individuals and teams. Participants can submit solutions regardless of whether they competed in the earlier Phase 1 competition.
All Phase 2 participants are expected to build a physical prototype. In addition, participants can submit a digital twin of their prototype for additional awards in the milestone and final rounds.
The LunaRecycle Challenge is a NASA Centennial Challenge, part of the Prizes, Challenges and Crowdsourcing Program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. LunaRecycle Phase 1 received record-breaking interest from the global innovator community. The challenge received more than 1,200 registrations – more than any competition in the 20-year history of Centennial Challenges – and a panel of 50 judges evaluated nearly 200 submissions. Seventeen teams were selected as Phase 1 winners, representing five countries and nine U.S. states. Winners were announced via livestream on NASA Marshall’s YouTube channel.
LunaRecycle is managed at NASA Marshall with subject matter experts primarily at the center, as well as NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. NASA, in partnership with The University of Alabama College of Engineering, manages the challenge with coordination from former Centennial Challenge winner AI SpaceFactory and environmental sustainability industry member Veolia.
To learn more about LunaRecycle’s second phase, including registration for upcoming webinars, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/lunarecycle
-end-
Jasmine Hopkins
NASA Headquarters, Washington
321-432-4624
jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov
Taylor Goodwin
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-0034
taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov
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Psychedelic drug ibogaine may treat PTSD by slowing brainwaves
Psychedelic drug ibogaine may treat PTSD by slowing brainwaves
Lost researcher's remains found on Antarctic glacier after 66 years
Lost researcher's remains found on Antarctic glacier after 66 years
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Splashes Down in Pacific Ocean
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Splashes Down in Pacific Ocean
The members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission – Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, left, NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi – are all smiles after having landed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. The crew spent seven months aboard the International Space Station.
Along the way, Crew-10 contributed hundreds of hours to scientific research, maintenance activities, and technology demonstrations. McClain, Ayers, and Onishi completed investigations on plant and microalgae growth, examined how space radiation affects DNA sequences in plants, observed how microgravity changes human eye structure and cells in the body, and more. The research conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory advances scientific knowledge and demonstrates new technologies that enable us to prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
McClain and Ayers also completed a spacewalk on May 1. It was the third spacewalk for McClain and the first for Ayers.
See more photos from Crew-10 Splashdown.
Image credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Splashes Down in Pacific Ocean
The members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission – Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, left, NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi – are all smiles after having landed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. The crew spent seven months aboard the International Space Station.
Along the way, Crew-10 contributed hundreds of hours to scientific research, maintenance activities, and technology demonstrations. McClain, Ayers, and Onishi completed investigations on plant and microalgae growth, examined how space radiation affects DNA sequences in plants, observed how microgravity changes human eye structure and cells in the body, and more. The research conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory advances scientific knowledge and demonstrates new technologies that enable us to prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
McClain and Ayers also completed a spacewalk on May 1. It was the third spacewalk for McClain and the first for Ayers.
See more photos from Crew-10 Splashdown.
Image credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
'Alien: Earth' cast talks 'Peter Pan' references, AI warnings, and navigating complex roles (exclusive)
The Perseid Meteor Shower Is Peaking. Here’s How to Watch
The Perseids are the best annual meteor shower, but this year’s show will be dimmed by a bright gibbous moon