After a months-long, science-intensive stay on the International Space Station (ISS), the NASA SpaceX Crew-10 mission is preparing for its return to Earth. The crew, consisting of experienced NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi from JAXA, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, is scheduled to return in early August, concluding one of the most productive scientific expeditions in recent history. During their long-duration mission, the astronauts conducted dozens of crucial experiments and technology demonstrations, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and preparing humanity for future, even more ambitious space endeavors, such as a journey to Mars. Their work spanned a wide range of disciplines, from biotechnology and agronomy to physics and medicine, and the results of their research will have far-reaching consequences not only for future astronauts but also for life on Earth.

A Revolution in Space Agriculture and Nutrition

One of the key focuses of the Crew-10 mission was finding sustainable ways to grow food in space, which is a prerequisite for long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit. As part of the Rhodium Plant LIFE experiment, astronauts closely monitored the growth of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, known as thale cress, to investigate the combined effects of space radiation and microgravity on plant development. By comparing data with plants that flew on the Polaris Dawn mission, which reached significantly higher orbital altitudes and was exposed to stronger radiation, scientists hope to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that govern plant growth in extreme conditions. Understanding these processes could lead to the development of genetically modified crops more resistant to stress, both in space and on Earth in areas affected by climate change.

Along a similar line was the APEX-12 experiment, in which Takuya Onishi and Nichole Ayers analyzed the impact of space radiation on telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres naturally shorten with each cell division, which is one of the main indicators of cellular aging. Research on thale cress could shed light on how space conditions accelerate the aging process at a molecular level, providing key insights for developing therapies against age-related diseases and methods for protecting astronaut health. As part of the mission, a student experiment, Nanoracks Module-9, was also conducted, which investigated the germination of Swiss chard seeds in space, comparing their shape, size, and nutritional composition with those grown on Earth. Such projects not only provide valuable data but also inspire a new generation of scientists.

The crew paid special attention to microalgae as a potential food source of the future. As part of the SOPHONSTER study, astronaut Nichole Ayers processed microalgae samples in the Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory. These microscopic plants are extremely nutritious, rich in proteins, amino acids, B-group vitamins, and iron. Their cultivation does not require much space and resources, and they could become a sustainable substitute for meat and dairy products during multi-year journeys. Besides food, microalgae have the potential for producing biofuels and bioactive compounds for medicines, thereby creating a closed, self-sustaining system for life in space.

Studying the Human Body in Extreme Conditions

A long-duration stay in microgravity has significant effects on the human body, and understanding and mitigating these effects is a priority for NASA. The Crew-10 crew participated in a series of ongoing health monitoring studies. Anne McClain and Takuya Onishi regularly collected blood samples that are being analyzed to track changes in the cardiovascular and immune systems, bone and muscle mass loss, and nutritional and metabolic status. This data is crucial for developing countermeasures that will enable astronauts to stay healthy and functional during a journey to Mars and back.

Special emphasis was placed on vision protection. It is known that spaceflights can cause changes in the structure of the eye and visual acuity, a condition known as SANS (Space-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome). Takuya Onishi, with the help of Nichole Ayers, conducted regular eye exams using optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. This device uses reflected light to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the retina and optic nerve, allowing for early detection and monitoring of subtle changes. The findings from this research help protect astronauts' vision and also aid in diagnosing eye diseases on Earth.

At the most fundamental level, JAXA's Cell Gravisensing experiment attempted to figure out how individual cells in our body even sense gravity. Although it is known that cells react to changes in gravitational forces, the exact mechanism is still a mystery. Takuya Onishi processed samples in the Japanese Kibo module, with the goal of observing changes in the cellular cytoskeleton. Discovering this mechanism could lead to revolutionary therapies for treating conditions like muscle atrophy and osteoporosis, diseases that affect not only astronauts but also millions of people on Earth, especially the elderly population.

Upgrading the Station and Technology for the Future

To keep the International Space Station a top-tier scientific laboratory, constant upgrades are necessary. One of the most important tasks of the Crew-10 mission was a spacewalk by astronaut Anne McClain to install new solar arrays, known as IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array). These new, flexible solar panels are more compact and significantly more efficient than the original ones, and their installation increases the available electrical power by as much as 20-30%. More power means more capacity for complex scientific research and support for future commercial modules on the station.

The crew also worked on installing a new system for purifying and distributing drinking water, the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser. This device tests advanced technology for water sanitization and reducing microbial growth, providing hot and cold water for drinking and food preparation. The technology developed for this system will be crucial for future deep space missions, where water recycling is of vital importance.

Inside the station, the astronauts also tested new technological assistants. Takuya Onishi supervised the operation of a free-floating, spherical camera, the JEM Internal Ball Camera 2. This small, autonomous robot can record video and photos of scientific experiments from unique angles, freeing up crew time for other, more important tasks. On the other hand, the fluorescent microscope ELVIS brought a new capability for observing the movement of microscopic algae and bacteria in 3D. This technology could be used for real-time water quality monitoring or for the rapid detection of potentially infectious organisms.

From the Microworld to the Sun's Corona: Scientific Breakthroughs

Microgravity offers unique conditions for research that is impossible on Earth. The Ring Sheared Drop-IBP-2 experiment used a special device that employs surface tension to hold a droplet of liquid trapped between two rings. This eliminates contact with solid container walls, allowing for the study of the behavior of liquid proteins in their pure form. This research focuses on the formation of amyloid fibrils, protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. A better understanding of this process could accelerate the development of new drugs.

In a similar vein are the crystallization experiments in the Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4. Anne McClain worked on research demonstrating technology for the possible production of pharmaceuticals during deep space missions. An upgrade to this system, the ADSEP-Industrial Crystallization Cassette, tests hardware that enables more massive production, opening the door to the commercial production of perfect crystals for the pharmaceutical and material industries in space.

From a unique viewpoint, more than 400 kilometers above the Earth, the astronauts also observed our planet and our star. Nichole Ayers captured spectacular photographs of lightning at the tops of storm clouds, providing data that helps scientists understand phenomena in the upper atmosphere. At the same time, the CODEX instrument, using a coronagraph to block direct sunlight, collected data on the temperature of the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona. Understanding the dynamics of the corona is crucial for predicting solar wind and space weather, which can threaten satellites, communication systems, and electrical grids on Earth.