DNA nano therapeutics in collaboration with University of Connecticut, Eascra Biotech, and Advanced Solutions Life Sciences (ASLS)

DNA inspired Janus-based nanomaterials are biologically inspired nanotubes that can be used for therapeutic mRNA delivery or other therapeutics at room temperature, and as a first-in-kind injectable scaffold for cartilage repair. This project will leverage microgravity to optimize the assembly of DNA-based nanomaterials for multiple therapeutic uses and ultimately develop standards for in-space manufacturing of nanomaterials for a wide range of therapeutic applications. Axiom Space is contributing to the NASA-funded In-Space Production Applications project through the Ax-2 mission.

Stellar stem cells in collaboration with Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute

This project seeks insights into the impact of microgravity on producing stem cells and stem cell-derived products in space. Using space to evaluate the steps used in terrestrial manufacturing to reprogram skin cells (fibroblasts) into stem cells capable of producing a variety of tissue types (heart, brain, and blood), could support regenerative medicine uses on Earth. Axiom Space is contributing to the NASA-funded In-Space Production Applications project through the Ax-2 mission.

mRNA response and stability in Space in collaboration with King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Saudi Space Agency (SSA)

This set of experiments investigates the inflammatory response of human immune cells in microgravity, specifically the changes in mRNA decay – a process that regulates gene expression changes in cells and can influence the effects of inflammation. In this experiment, a type of white blood cells will be sent to the ISS and, in parallel with experiments on the ground, cells will be treated with a substance that stimulates an inflammatory response. The changes in mRNA expression and decay will be studied and compared between experimental conditions to learn about mRNA expression changes, which could lead to better understanding of the immune system and uncover biomarkers or potential therapies for inflammatory diseases both in space and on Earth. The project is funded by SSA, where one of their astronauts will perform the experiments at the ISS.

Cancer in low-Earth orbit in collaboration with Sanford Stem Cell Institute

As a follow-on project flown on Ax-1 (Modeling Tumor Organoids), this effort will expand the tumor organoid model to include triple-negative breast cancer cells in order to study immune dysfunction and drug challenge with countermeasures for ADAR1-fueled cancer proliferation and immune evasion: fedratinib and rebecsinib, for the further development of stem cell models that can help predict and prevent cancer. These models can be tools for detection of and therapies for pre-cancer, cancer, and a variety of other diseases on Earth. This project is part of the expanded Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Reseach (ISSCOR) collaboration between the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space.

Space tissue and regeneration in collaboration with Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the RegenMed Development Organization (ReMDO)

Bioengineered liver and kidney tissue constructs will be sent to space to assess the impact of microgravity on vascularization of thick tissues. If successful, this platform technology and approach could lead to the in-space bioengineering of ‘building blocks’ of tissue that can serve as a bridge to transplants in patients awaiting a limited supply of donor organs. This project is part of the Axiom Space collaboration with Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the ReMDO to develop an In-Space Biomanufacturing Hub for regenerative medicine.

Nebula human research biosamples and biodata in collaboration with Nebula Research & Development Company, Keele University, and Weill Cornell Medicine

This portfolio of projects will look at how humans adapt and respond to spaceflight to better understand human physiology in microgravity, which will contribute to our understanding of how to keep humans healthy in space. Projects utilizing novel neuroscience tools include measuring blood flow to the brain and the brain’s electrical activity, assessing intracranial pressure by non-invasive assessment of the pupil of the eye, and monitoring changes in the optic nerve over time. Improved monitoring of neurological health may help make spaceflight safer in the future and allow for the development of rapid, non-invasive monitoring, as well as early interventions and the development of countermeasures. Blood and bio-sample specimens will also be taken to examine multi-omic biomarkers related to spaceflight and also to map changes in the length, structure, and epigenetics of chromosomes and telomeres.

Space hematopoietic stem cell aging in collaboration with Sanford Stem Cell Institute/UC San Diego

In this project, the activity of DNA and RNA-editing enzymes involved in mutations that may be related to development of immune dysfunction-related disease states and cancer will be evaluated by analyzing blood samples taken from the crew before, during, and after spaceflight. This will help better understand changes in editing activity of these enzymes in blood stem cells due to spaceflight. This project is part of the expanded Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Reseach (ISSCOR) collaboration between the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space.

TRISH essential measures

The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is developing a battery of tests to be completed by the crew that will inform how commercial spaceflight crew members adapt to microgravity and how countermeasures can be developed to keep crew healthy and enable peak performance during missions. This battery of tests will include physical assessments, questionnaires, taking biological samples from the crew, and wearing devices that sense physiological measurements. The tests will monitor how quickly and how well crew adapt to moving in space, study how the eye changes during spaceflight, how well the crew can perform cognitively demanding tasks, and what changes the body undergoes in microgravity.

Cloud seeding in microgravity in collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Space Commission, and Nanoracks

Cloud seeding is the process of artificially generating rain by implanting clouds with particles such as silver iodide (AgI) crystals. Cloud seeding has been adopted by many countries to increase precipitation in areas suffering with droughts. In this experiment, cloud seeding will be examined for the first time in space under microgravity conditions. Moist air and AgI crystals will be mixed in a reaction chamber to examine the possibility of nucleation, where water vapor condenses on AgI crystals to form water droplets. The outcome of this experiment will help develop weather control technology to generate artificial rain in future human settlements on the Moon and Mars.

Multifunctional shielding polymer demo in collaboration with Cosmic Shielding Corporation

A newly developed hydrogen-rich polymer is being tested for its ability to protect against space radiation, which consists of heavy charged particles and secondary photons, electrons, and neutrons. During the Ax-2 mission, the newly developed hydrogen-rich polymer will be tested in the internal radiation environment of the ISS to assess the polymer’s shielding abilities.

Imaging of Lighting and Nighttime Electrical Phenomena from Space (ILAN-ES) in collaboration with the Rakia Mission

This night-time experiment will image thunderstorms, lightning, and transient luminous events (TLEs) known as sprites, blue jets, and elves. These electrical phenomena occur at high altitudes above thunderstorms and are a marker of severe weather and extremely powerful lightning, called superbolts. By taking video images from the ISS Cupola, the interactions between the upper and lower atmosphere can be studied. Observations from space will be augmented by ground-based observations conducted by international research groups and schoolchildren in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)

ARISS inspires students worldwide to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through amateur radio contact opportunities with the ISS on-orbit crew. The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of STEM topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forums. During the Ax-2 mission, the Axiom Space crew will conduct ISS HAM Radio contacts with students around the world utilizing ARISS. Every ARISS amateur radio connection with an on-board astronaut is a hands-on experiment for the youth, educators, and public that participate. Prior to the event, the students research and learn about space, space technologies, Earth observation from space, ISS orbits, wireless technology, and radio science. Through research and communications with the crew on ISS, students will learn firsthand what it is like to live and work in space.

DreamUp DreamKits in collaboration with Nanoracks

The STEM-focused experiments are conducted in microgravity to educate students on the unique environment of the Space Station. These three visual experiments will demonstrate differences in fluid behavior on Earth and in microgravity, explore the aerodynamic behavior of different kite shapes on the ISS, and show effects of the vacuum of space on heat transfer. Students across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in ground-based experiments on Earth to gather comparison data with custom-built kits and, in the case of Space Kites, the general public can gather their own data using household materials and instructions provided by DreamUp. his project is in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission.

Student Art Competition From Space

During Ax-2, students art will take a center stage with the Space Art Contest, hosted by Ax-2 Pilot John Shoffner. Students from around the world will have the chance to showcase vivid color and curiosity as they take us on a journey into space as they envision it. Two representatives from each age division, one art and one poetry, will receive special recognition LIVE from the ISS on the Ax-2 mission. For more information, visit www.spaceartcontest.com.

Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology (HUMANS)

HUMANS is a MIT student-led project that combines art and nanotechnology for increasing global representation in space. HUMANS has created a record of voices from people all around the world in their native languages, sharing their thoughts on the meaning of space for themselves and humanity. This six-inch record, inspired by The Golden Record, has been etched using cutting-edge MIT nanotechnology to be launched up to the ISS. HUMANS creates a symbolic avenue for space access worldwide and emphasizes how space should remain a “space" for everyone. For more information, visit https://humans.mit.edu

Odor visualization in collaboration with Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS)

JAMSS Odor Visualization is a tech demo developed by JAMSS that will use two QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) sensors to detect odors in the ISS pressurized environment. The data collected will then be used to visualize the quality of life for space travelers with future applications.

Axiom Space communication systems technical demonstration

The Axiom Space Communications System payload will develop and test alternative ways for onboard communication to be used with a type of mobile device. This test will potentially allow crew members more flexibility to communicate with mission control and loved ones on the ground.

Axiom Space imagery processing and collection 

Axiom Space is investigating the use of an automatic, wireless transfer application tool for downlinking imagery. This demonstration will provide insight on the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for future use on Axiom Station to reduce crew time and ground time on image transferring, allowing the crew and ground more time to focus on science and outreach.

Stowage Tracking & Inventory Intelligent Video System (STIIVS)

Axiom Space’s STIIVS uses computer vision to identify and track items for inventory management, stowage location tracking, and associated analytics. Results could provide insight into the feasibility and efficiency of this tool for use on Axiom Habitation Module 1 (AxH1) once it is attached to the ISS.

Gravity loading countermeasure in collaboration with MIT

The Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit is an intravehicular activity suit for astronauts that has been developed to simulate some of the effects of Earth’s gravity and mitigate some of the physiological effects of microgravity, including spinal elongation, muscle atrophy, and sensorimotor changes. This wearable system is intended to supplement exercise during future missions to the Moon and Mars and to further attenuate microgravity induced physiological effects in future low-Earth orbit mission scenarios. The purpose of this study is to characterize the Skinsuit and its physiological effects on a short-duration low-Earth orbit mission.