On the International Space Station (ISS), a unique laboratory orbiting 400 kilometers above our heads, a new era of scientific research is about to begin with the arrival of the NASA SpaceX Crew-11 mission. The crew, composed of experienced astronauts and scientists, will conduct a series of revolutionary experiments that could reshape medicine, nutrition, and our understanding of life beyond Earth. The focus of their mission, which will last several months, includes studies ranging from the mass production of stem cells to the development of alternatives to antibiotics and the cultivation of plants in zero gravity. These efforts are not only crucial for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars but also promise significant benefits for humanity on our planet.

The crew consists of NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, who will assume the role of mission commander, and Mike Fincke, an experienced pilot and spaceflight veteran, as well as Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, Kimiya Yui. For Cardman, a geobiologist with experience in Antarctic expeditions, this is her first spaceflight, while Fincke has nearly 400 days spent in orbit during three previous missions. Yui, a former pilot and colonel in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, is also returning to the station after his first stay in 2015. Their combination of scientific expertise and flight experience makes them an ideal team to carry out the complex scientific tasks that await them.

A revolution in regenerative medicine: Growing stem cells in space

One of the most ambitious experiments of the Crew-11 mission is StemCellEx-IP1, aimed at using microgravity for the mass production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells, created by reprogramming skin or blood cells, have the incredible ability to transform into any type of cell in the body. This makes them a cornerstone of regenerative medicine with the potential to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries. However, on Earth, their production is limited. Due to gravity, cells are grown in 2D layers, which makes it difficult to obtain the large quantities needed for clinical application.

In the weightlessness of the space station, cells can freely expand in three dimensions, forming spherical aggregates. Researchers hope that this 3D cultivation will enable the production of up to 1000 times more cells than is possible on Earth. In addition to quantity, an improvement in cell quality is also expected, which would make them more suitable for therapeutic use. The success of this experiment could open the door to personalized medicine, where a patient's own cells could be used to create replacement tissues and organs, minimizing the risk of rejection. This represents an incredible potential for improving lives and finding cures for diseases currently considered incurable.

The fight against superbugs: Phages as an alternative to antibiotics

Long-duration spaceflight carries numerous health risks, and one of the most serious is the threat of bacterial infections. Previous studies have shown that some bacteria become more virulent and grow faster in microgravity, while the effectiveness of antibiotics decreases. This problem, along with the global threat of growing antibiotic resistance on Earth, has prompted scientists to seek alternative solutions.

This is where the Genes in Space-12 investigation comes in, a project designed by high school students, Isabelle Chuang and Julia Gross. Their experiment will study the interaction between specific bacteria and bacteriophages – viruses that naturally infect and destroy bacteria. Phages, as they are commonly called, are considered a promising alternative to antibiotics. The goal of this research is to determine how microgravity affects the ability of phages to eliminate bacteria. If phages prove to be effective in space, it could drastically reduce the reliance on antibiotics during future missions to the Moon and Mars. Furthermore, phages produced in space could have unique properties that could be harnessed to develop new therapies to combat superbugs here on Earth, revolutionizing the way we manage bacterial infections.

Sustainable nutrition for future space explorers

Nutrition is a key factor for astronaut health, but providing fresh and nutritious food on multi-year missions, such as a trip to Mars, presents a huge logistical challenge. Vitamins and other nutrients in pre-packaged food lose their potency over time, which can lead to serious health problems, such as scurvy caused by a vitamin C deficiency. The BioNutrients-3 experiment builds on previous research with the goal of developing a system for producing nutrients "on demand."

The idea is to use genetically modified microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, that can remain dormant for years and then be activated as needed to produce fresh nutrients. The Crew-11 crew will test the production of yogurt and a yeast-based beverage. Special emphasis is placed on food safety. The system includes a pasteurization capability to destroy unwanted microorganisms, as well as a sensor called the E-Nose (electronic nose) that can "smell" potential pathogens. There are also pH indicators that visually show the progress of fermentation through a change in color. A particularly interesting part of the research is the testing of "yogurt passage" – a method where a small portion of finished yogurt is used to start a new culture, similar to maintaining a sourdough starter. This sustainable approach could eliminate concerns about shelf life and significantly reduce the mass of cargo that must be launched from Earth.

The foundations of life in zero gravity: The mystery of plant cell division

The ability to grow one's own food is crucial for the self-sustainability of future space colonies on the Moon or Mars. Although astronauts on the ISS have already successfully grown several types of lettuce and vegetables, the fundamental processes that govern plant growth in space are still not fully understood. An investigation conducted by JAXA, called Plant Cell Division, will delve deep into the basics of plant biology.

This experiment will study how microgravity affects cell division, the fundamental process of growth for every organism. Scientists will observe green algae and cultured tobacco cells, which divide extremely quickly, making them ideal models for observation. Using an advanced confocal microscope on the station, the crew will monitor cell division and the formation of microtubular structures that are crucial for this process in real time. Understanding how plants adapt to the lack of a gravitational signal, which on Earth directs root growth downwards and stem growth upwards, is essential for developing effective methods of space agriculture. The insights from this research could also help optimize agricultural production on Earth.

The ISS as a springboard for the future

The International Space Station, which has continuously hosted human crews for almost 25 years, is more than a science laboratory; it is a key platform for preparing humanity for the next great step in space exploration. Each of the experiments to be conducted by the Crew-11 crew is part of a larger puzzle that makes NASA's Artemis program and future missions to Mars achievable. Solutions to medical problems, sustainable food production, and understanding basic biological processes in space are the foundation upon which a long-term human presence beyond Earth will be built.

At the same time, the ISS fosters the development of commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. Collaboration with private companies like SpaceX not only ensures the transport of crews and cargo but also opens the door to a new economy in space. The research conducted on the station, from pharmaceuticals to materials, has enormous commercial potential. In this way, the ISS serves as a bridge between today's achievements and a future in which space will be more accessible, and human reach will extend deeper into the Solar System.

Source: NASA