The ANITA-2 project will sample air from the atmosphere on the ISS and automatically analyze trace contaminants. The system can recognize and quantify 33 trace gases via infrared light and identify unknown substances for additional analyzes on the ground. This project is part of ESA's ongoing technology development efforts for safe spaceflight in low-Earth orbit and beyond.
AWS Snowcone Cloud Edge Compute Demonstration (AWS Snowcone Ax-1) during the private astronaut mission (PAM) Axiom-1 (Ax-1) demonstrates technology to screen private astronaut images and identify those that may contain sensitive information not for public release. The technology includes reduction of large-scale data and processing of data near the source, known as edge computing, capabilities integral to future space exploration.
This project aims to study the cognitive process of associative learning in space and investigate how spaceflight affects the processing of simple and complex visual stimuli, especially in tasks impacted by up-down orientation, comparing it to data collected pre- and post-flight. The research could inform future long-duration mission planning and add to the broader understanding of learning and cognitive processing.
Aging and Heart Health on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) analyzes human cells for genetic markers of cellular aging and explores how cardiac-like cells adapt to microgravity. A better understanding of the mechanisms of cellular aging and cardiac adaptation could support crew health and success on future missions.
AstRNAuts is a project from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) aiming to characterize distinctive molecular signatures of circulating biomarkers that are altered upon exposure to the space environment. These markers will be monitored before and after the Ax-3 mission. The project is of great scientific interest to understand how space missions affect the human body in space, as these biomarkers could be used to monitor astronauts’ health status and to develop point-of-care devices for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases.
The AstroMentalHealth project is studying astronauts' mental and behavioral health during space missions and focuses on observing changes that may occur in the functioning of astronauts working on the International Space Station (ISS). Crew complete questionnaires, give interviews, and make video diaries before, during and after spaceflight so that researchers can develop personalized support programs for future crew. This research can benefit others on Earth by developing remote technologies for diagnosing and treating mental disorders, particularly for individuals in isolated or challenging environments where access to mental health care is limited.
Radiation produced by solar particle events in space has the potential to adversely affect crew health. AstroRad Human Factors and Ergonomics Research (AstroRad Vest Ax-1) uses private astronaut mission (PAM) crew members on Axiom-1 (Ax-1) to study the efficiency and ergonomics of a wearable device to shield sensitive organs and tissues from this radiation. The vest is designed to provide radiation protection as well as to be comfortable to wear and not interfere with an astronaut’s regular activities.
Culture, Values and Environmental Adaptation in Space [At Home in Space (Ax-1)] on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) assesses culture, values, and psychosocial adaptation of astronauts to sharing a space environment with multinational crews. Whether crew members feel at home in space and develop a shared space culture could affect the success of future long-duration missions. Ax-1 crew members complete a questionnaire battery before, during, and after flight to evaluate individual and culturally-related differences, family functioning, coping with stress, and post-experience change.
This project from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) builds on previous work in microgravity to investigate the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) proteins, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Researching proteins in microgravity provides an opportunity to better understand the mechanisms of Aβ protein aggregation and the formation of amyloid plaques, which could lead to insights into how to prevent or reverse formation in Alzheimer's patients. The research could also help identify potential risks for neurodegeneration for long-duration spaceflight, as microgravity can influence the normal folding and unfolding of proteins.
BioMonitor (Ax-1) monitors the vital signs of crew members on the private astronaut mission (PAM) Axiom-1 (Ax-1) and assesses the effects of spaceflight on their hearts, lungs, and circulatory systems. The Ax-1 astronauts wear the Bio-Monitor, an instrument onboard the International Space Station, during day-to-day activities, rest, and exercise. The investigation demonstrates real-time acquisition and transmission of data from the Bio-Monitor and the potential for adapting the platform to provide autonomous health monitoring of crew members on future Artemis missions.
Exposure to microgravity and immobilization can cause a loss of bone density, which can increase the risk of bone breakage and injury. In microgravity, the changes start to take place very soon after leaving Earth—the extent and timeframe of reversal of these changes upon return from space are under investigation. This ongoing ESA-led project is monitoring whether bone loss halts or continues upon re-entry after human spaceflight missions. This project was also performed during the Ax-3 mission.
The ongoing Bone on ISS experiment studies the effects of microgravity on bone health, focusing on bone loss and recovery post-spaceflight. By examining bone markers, inflammation, and growth factors, the study aims to develop a digital twin model to predict bone behavior during recovery. This research is crucial for space missions, as it helps predict individual skeletal risks and enables better astronaut screening. The findings will benefit Earth by advancing the understanding of bone disorders and improving treatments for conditions like osteoporosis, helping populations prone to bone fragility and immobility.
When humans enter microgravity many changes to their body take place, such as to the brain and central nervous system which has to adapt to altered sensory information arriving from the eyes, ears, and muscles. This ongoing ESA-sponsored project aims to identify biomarkers for this adaptation via use of advanced MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) brain imaging methods such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI). Identification of neural biomarkers related to sensorimotor adaptation after spaceflight could also lead to improved interventions for humans on Earth, for example after injury or stroke.
This project is developing and testing an artificial intelligence (AI) powered free-flying companion, called CIMON, to support crew and help with mission efficiency during long-term missions. CIMON can fly freely through the ISS to support crew as they perform tasks and can respond to verbal commands. This technology development project is also looking at human machine interactions to build robots and other technologies that are intuitive and easy for humans to use and rely on. The work will help design technologies on Earth that will optimize performance for seamless integration into many sectors, such as manufacturing, aviation, and healthcare.
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) Space Diagnostics (Ax-1 CRISPR) tests CRISPR-based genetic identification on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM). CRISPR is a genome editing system that allows its users to detect and manipulate specific DNA and RNA sequences in living cells of diverse species. This technology could provide rapid and accurate detection of pathogens and contaminants on future long-term space missions.
In partnership with Axiom Space, the Cancer in LEO project from the Sanford Stem Cell Institute will study tumor organoids in microgravity with the goal to identify early warning signs of cancer for prediction and prevention of the disease. This project is part of the expanded ISSCOR collaboration between the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space, which aims to use microgravity to further understand stem cells, cancer, and aging-related effects in space to develop better prediction of disease and therapeutics for patients on Earth.
The Cancer in LEO-3 investigation builds on research from previous Axiom Space missions that studied cancer growth in space. It aims to validate earlier findings on tumor organoids and explore how a new model of triple negative breast cancer responds to drug challenges in low Earth orbit (LEO). This research is crucial for space missions as it examines the impact of microgravity and radiation in LEO on cancer cell growth compared with growth in a terrestrial environment. The findings could lead to better cancer treatments on Earth by revealing how cancer cells behave in microgravity and identifying new therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers. This project is part of the Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) collaboration between the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space, which aims to use microgravity to further understand stem cells, cancer, and aging-related effects in space in order to develop better prediction of disease and therapeutics for patients on Earth.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a non-invasive imaging technique that can give information of the size and shape of the heart, function of the ventricles, blood flow, and presence of coronary artery disease markers. This ongoing ESA project aims to use CMR to create a database of the cardiovascular system of ESA astronauts, which could help determine short-term changes in shape and function of the cardiovascular system as well as allow comparisons with well-characterized head-down (-6°) tilt bed rest (HDBR) studies, which have been broadly used as physiological analogs of spaceflight for decades.
The Space Frontier and Extraterrestrial Cardioprotection (Cardioprotection Ax-1) performs cardiovascular evaluation on Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) crew members. Human research in space has, to date, focused on professional astronauts, but as spaceflight opportunities expand, more diverse populations experience exposure to the space environment. The study supports protection of heart health in this expanding population.
This project will consist of ultrasound-based studies to investigate cerebral blood circulation in space. Hemodynamic responses to microgravity, increased carbon dioxide levels, and specific visual patterns are of particular interest. The results will help researchers understand more about cardiovascular adaptation to spaceflight and could be useful for assessing cardiovascular conditions on Earth.
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.
This materials science investigation will explore the effect of spaceflight on 3D printed materials after launch and return from the International Space Station. The study will characterize the properties and compositions of 3D printed polymers after space radiation exposure and g-forces in order to compare them to the properties of polymers stored on Earth. This could inform the design and composition of materials that may be used in 3D printing in space in future.
Brain organoids are small 3D aggregates of neural cells that can be used to explore how the human nervous system develops or starts to degenerate (in diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis), and how safe and effective therapeutics might be. Using human neural cells means human-specific biochemical pathways can be uncovered or targeted, helping reduce the need for animal studies that may not replicate human neural responses or predict how well humans respond to different treatments. The Cosmic Brain Organoids project will use brain organoids derived from the stem cells of patients with the neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease and primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis, to assess how microgravity affects the cells and uncover cellular pathways that could suggest novel therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases on Earth.
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.
This ISRO experiment will investigate the impacts of spaceflight on six varieties of crop seeds. After the mission, seeds will be grown for multiple generations and plants showing preferred traits selected for genetic analyses. This project aims to help understand how crops may be grown in space for future exploration missions.
Cyanobacteria are aquatic bacteria that can photosynthesize, and are of interest for integration into spacecraft environmental control systems. This ISRO experiment will compare two strains of cyanobacteria to investigate growth rates, cellular responses, and biochemical activity in microgravity. The results could help with the development of future spacecraft life support systems.
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.
This study will investigate radiation-induced DNA damage to adult fruit flies and fruit fly larvae after exposure to the space environment. The project aims to assess if temporary over production of certain DNA-repairing enzymes may act as biochemical protection against space radiation-induced damage. The results from this experiment could help develop countermeasures against damage to human DNA on future deep space and long-duration spaceflights.
The DNAmAge project will investigate how radiation exposure during spaceflight can affect DNA and its repair. By looking at epigenetic changes, ESA researchers will learn more about the epigenetic clock, which is a combined measure of aging in humans that takes into account a person's birthday and biological age. This project will help us understand the impact of spaceflight on aging mechanisms in the human body and provide broad applicability to the study of aging and its biological bases.
Digital Voice Assistant demonstrates a digital voice assistant to support crew operations on the International Space Station. Results could help support the development of a robust voice-based assistant to perform a variety of functions on the planned Axiom space station.
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. This project is in collaboration with the Saudi Space Agency.
This experiment aims to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback sessions in reducing stress and enhancing performance in astronauts. By conducting pre- and post-flight tests (including psychological assessments, muscle activity measurements, blood analyses for stress markers, and brain activity), researchers aim to understand how pre-flight neurofeedback training may impact psychological, physiological, and motor functions. This experiment can help train crews for future spaceflight and develop technologies to help mitigate stress and improve performance on Earth.
In collaboration with the Italian Air Force (ItAF) and Italian Space Agency (ASI), the Italian company REA will conduct an in-orbit test of the Electrical Muscle Simulation (EMSi) suit – an intra-vehicular suit that can monitor and measure astronaut body movement. The suit is made of a material with antibacterial properties and contains sensors to collect data on muscle activity from the arms, legs, and trunk during daily activities. It also incorporates compression properties to help correct the shifts in body fluid distribution seen in microgravity. This project will test the suit during Ax-3 and could be used during future space missions to improve astronaut health and well-being.
The END-SANS project from HUNOR tests a novel, solid nanostructured drug formula that can be used inophthalmic inserts to treat Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). The project has two aims. Firstly, it plans to study the impact of microgravity on eye insert materials containing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). Inserts with API will launch passively and return for further stability analyses. Secondly, one crew member will use the eye inserts without the API once daily for at least five days and complete a questionnaire about their experience using the insert. Pre- and post-clinical testing will also be carried out to assess ocular health and monitor biological effects. Results will show whether nanofibrous drug carriers may offer a promising and innovative approach for stable and precise treatments in ophthalmic applications, which are also relevant to terrestrial applications such as macular edema.
The Earth Observation (Ax-1) investigation on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) uses images taken from the International Space Station to study changes in weather and other planetary features; natural events, including fires and volcanic eruptions; and human features such as agriculture and urbanization. The project also plans to take images of the Great Lakes Basin to enhance the ongoing Great Lakes Project sponsored by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). An important source of water in Canada and the US, the Basin faces stress from climate change, urbanization, and other factors.
Endothelial cells are the single layer of cells that line the endothelium — the tissue that lines our blood vessels and is important for regulating blood pressure, blood flow, clotting, inflammation and structure of organs. The reactivity of the endothelium in blood vessels can tell us about the vascular health of an individual and is the basis of a non-invasive technique called flow-mediated dilation. This Endothelial Function project from the Italian Air Force will use flow-mediated dilation to assess the vascular health of astronauts before, during and after spaceflight and the results will be compared to measurements from non-orbital flight personnel. The goal of this project is to help understand how vascular health changes over the course of spaceflight.
The Environmental Perception Characteristicsof Astronauts in Microgravity (ENPERCHAR) experiment studies how microgravity affects human perception and connection with the environment. Crew performance on scientific activities will be analyzed with reference to environmental psychology to investigate how microgravity may distort spatial awareness and perception. Analyses of verbal commentary while conducting experiments may reveal insights into the psychological effect of working in extreme environments. Understanding these effects are important for ensuring crewmembers can accurately perform tasks and ensure mission safety. Insights from this research could enhance general understanding of human perception.
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a genetic editing scientific technique that can be used to increase, decrease, insert or remove genes from organisms. Exploring its application in plants could be helpful for understanding plants' stress responses in microgravity that could translate to improved agricultural practices on Earth, in space, or or other terrestrial bodies on exploration missions. In this TÜBİTAK UZAY-sponsored project "Extreme Salt Stress and CRISPR Gene Editing Efficiency in Plants Under Microgravity" (Extremophyte CRISPR), researchers will investigate the down regulation via the CRISPR technique of three genes involved in the stress response of Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress, a member of the mustard family). The second aim will evaluate the salt stress tolerance of two plants - one salt-sensitive and one salt-tolerant - that will be germinated and grown in the International Space Station. This work builds on previous microgravity investigations showing how microgravity affects the growth, movement and genetics of this plant, and could provide valuable insights into plant adaptation to extreme environments and help develop more resilient crops for agriculture.
Fluidic Space Optics (Ax-1) during the private astronaut mission (PAM) Axiom-1 (Ax-1) studies liquid behavior in microgravity. It examines how this environment affects deployment and solidification of liquid polymers into optical components, serving as a proof of concept for large scale liquid space telescopes. The investigation also provides an educational demonstration of the physics of fluid mechanics in microgravity.
Cuisine in space is important not just for nutritional purposes but also as a way to improve astronauts' quality of life. In this project from Italian food company Barilla, crew will document their experience with food in space and complete questionnaires. The goal is to create a “user journey” that will improve the experience of eating food in space.
The Italian company GVM is creating a telemedicine platform that could be used in the future to monitor and manage the health of astronauts before, during, and after human spaceflight missions. This ground-based study will investigate the cardiovascular physiology and health of the crew before and after the Ax3 mission and will simulate on-orbit video consultations. The team will collect and monitor data from wearable devices and a health app before and after flight. The platform is being developed to gain a thorough understanding of astronaut health and enable medical advice and treatment discussions with the crew.
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.
Aexa’s Holographic Teleportation Behavioral (Holoportation Behavioral) demonstrates two-way communications between crew members on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) to the International Space Station and ground using a mixed-reality application. The technology includes a HoloLens 2 Artificial Reality headset and HoloWizard mixed reality application to provide users 360-degree holographic images of each other. This capability represents a significant advancement in communication for remote settings.
This study will investigate the effects of short-term stays in low Earth orbit on astronaut health by examining changes in the human gut microbiome. Stool samples will be collected at regular intervals before, during, and after flight and the microbiome composition analyzed. Changes in microbiome composition could impact the health of future crews, so this research can help inform dietary or medical treatments for crew in future. The research also offers insight into gut health, which could lead to improved management of gut-related conditions on Earth and development of personalized nutritrion programs.
This neuroimaging study, performed pre- and post-flight, will study the impact of microgravity during space travel on the human brain and aim to identify potential cognitive and performance risks in astronauts. The study will use high field magentic resonance imaging (7T MRI) of the brain to investigate the impact of microgravity on the representation of the body, changes in neural vascular physiology, and aspects of the blood-brain barrier. Results may lead to better understanding of the impact on spaceflight on the brain.
The SPHC project is a series of educational experiments that students will perform simultaneously with crew, demonstrating different manifestations of the laws of physics in space versus on Earth. The experiments will cover topics such as friction, surface tension, buoyancy, conservation of angular momentum, the Bernoulli effect, geometry, and how to measure mass in weightlessness. In addition to promoting space exploration and education, the project will develop recorded material for future use in Hungarian schools.
The SUMISPACE project is a public outreach campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the HUNOR program and Hungarian space activities, particularly among children and young adults. Participants can submit their names and photos online to receive a "boarding pass" for names and pictures to be launched and returned on an SD card.
Imaging of Lightning and Nighttime Electrical Phenomena from Space (ILAN-ES) seeks to collect images from space of lightning and Transient Luminous Events (TLE). These electrical phenomena above thunderstorms on Earth include blue jets, gigantic jets, Emissions of Light and Very-Low-Frequency perturbations from Electro-magnetic pulses (ELVES) and red sprites. Combining observations from the International Space Station with a global network of ground-based cameras, researchers plan to calculate the energy of observed TLE, reconstruct their 3D structures, identify parent-lightning and electrical parameters, and track lightning activity and cloud illumination patterns from different ranges and angles.
Dead reckoning, or the ability to determine current position and navigate based on previous position, may require different methods to calculate in space compared to on Earth, with the promise of greater accuracy. In this project, the accuracy and 'drift' of inbuilt sensors in a cell phone (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, proximity sensor) will be tested via motion and movement-based gestures and compared to those taken on Earth to prove that a wide range of paths can be reconstructed in weightlessness. The results from this study could help inform future spacecraft navigation systems design.
Italian Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Operations Center (ISOC) Services for ISS (ISOC [Ax-3]) on the private astronaut mission (PAM) Axiom-3 (Ax-3) evaluates a web-based space situational awareness (SSA) tool on the International Space Station. The investigation assesses the tool’s ability to conduct autonomous analysis of the risk of collision between a satellite and another object in orbit and compares space weather alerts with the actual experience of crew members.
This technology demonstration aims to develop and test the digital infrastructure required to process and analyze data from a wearable device collected during the Ax-4 mission via edge computing. In future, these infrastructure frameworks may enable prediction of human performance based on biometric data, to optimize the completion of tasks and activities during spaceflight. The technology could be useful for multiple industries on Earth that rely on skilled human performance.
ISS Ham Radio conducted by crew members on Axiom Space private astronaut missions (PAMs), connect youth, educators, and members of the public with a crew member on the International Space Station via amateur radio. Participating students learn about space, the space station, Earth observation, wireless technology, and radio science. The first-hand exposure to life in space helps inspire the next generation of explorers.
The Immune Multiomics project aim to examines the molecular adaptation by human immune cells to microgravity and other space-related stresses. Blood samples will be collected before, during, and after the mission, with analyses exploring how changes persist after returning to Earth. Insights from this research could help understand crew health during long-duration space missions. On Earth, the findings could inform understanding of immune disorders and the immune response to stress.
The International Space Art and Poetry Contest is a collaboration between Axiom astronaut John Shoffner, Limitless Space Institute, The Perseid Foundation, and the ISS National Lab, in which students and educators around the world are invited to submit drawings, paintings, or poems. The submissions showcase their ideas of what it would look like to live in space. Art and poems chosen from each of four age categories are printed on the International Space Station. Axiom Space astronauts create a video and photographs then return the physical prints from space to their creators. This program inspires student creativity and interest in space and helps create the next generation of explorers.
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.
The Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) photocatalyst air purification device will launch on Ax-1 for a technical demonstration to verify the performance of the improved filter. This experiment also will deploy a control device without photocatalytic LEDs, to evaluate the JAMSS photocatalytic filter. With an improved air filter, the JAMSS device will be able to clean the air on the ISS and remove cabin odor, using the power of light to safely convert volatile compounds in the air into carbon dioxide and water with the goal of improving the quality of life for living and working in space. JAMSS will be the only Japanese company with research on the Ax-1 mission.
This HUNOR project aims to promote space research and communications technologies in schools, with active involvement and participation of the Hungarian astronaut on the ISS via ham radio. The crewmember will conduct activities involving a smartphone’s acceleration sensor, gamma radiation measurement, and a water experiment, to help students gain an understanding of space science.
The capability of Anomalous Long Term Effects in Astronauts (ALTEA) to measure the linear energy transfer (LET) of protons and helium and the kinetic energy of protons and heavy ions is to be upgraded by the addition of a new time of flight (TOF) system detector called the Light Ions Detector for ALTEA (LIDAL). LIDAL upgrades the ability of ALTEA to make measurements that can be converted, by dedicated software in real-time, into radiation risk coefficients - effectively enabling ALTEA to become the first ever dosimetric “risk meter” aboard the International Space Station.
In partnership with the ICE Cubes Service and developed by KP Labs, the Leopard Data Processing Unit (DPU) will be installed on the International Space Station, which will be part of the digital system enabling clients to remotely test and verify computational algorithms in real space conditions without needing to physically acquire hardware. Testing in space is a vital step for algorithms before they are used in satellites. Other exporation-enabling software will also be tested, such as 3D mapping for spacecraft maneuvers and robotic exploration. This project aims to advance onboard data processing for space applications but also aims towards faster, more efficient satellite operations, potentially transforming data handling in space and on Earth.
Axiom Space is proud to partner with the Limitless Space Institute to perform experiments designed by students in Brazil and Nigeria on the Ax-4 mission. The projects are winners of a competition across schools in both countries to design experiments that could be performed in space. Students in Brazil will investigate what happens when two balls of differing mass collide in space. Students in Nigeria will examine how pendulum properties differ on Earth versus in space. This is the first time that students from Nigeria have had access to the microgravity environment to perform science and research.
The MESSAGE (Microgravity Associated Genetics Research Group) project from the TÜBİTAK UZAY portfolio on Ax-3 is interested in assessing microgravity-associated changes in gene expression in human immune system T-cells collected from an astronaut. After flight, the project will use CRISPR gene editing technologies to knock out genes in T-cells found to be upregulated by space travel. The researchers will also aim to produce immune cells with the observed microgravity-associated gene changes by using an acoustic levitation device on the ground to mimic microgravity and explore the cells' changes in proliferation, survival, and stress responses at a cellular level. By better understanding the response of the immune system to the stress of microgravity, the project aims to identify potential space travelers who may be more suited to long duration spaceflight missions due to the resilience of their immune system.
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.
Non-intrusive yet effective health monitoring is needed for future space exploration missions as well as for management of chronic diseases on Earth. This project from POLSA and ESA aims to develop wearable biomonitors using MXene nanomaterials (2D nanomaterials made of inorganic compounds). The project will assess six different devices flown on the mission, investigating the function and environmental stability of the materials.
MedChecker (Ax-1) demonstrates software that uses image recognition to identify medications from personal medical kits and test medical kits aboard the International Space Station. This augmented reality (AR) tool could enable crew members to quickly administer appropriate medications without input from medical professionals. Results could support increased self-sufficiency on future space exploration missions.
The experiment aims to determine the direct and delayed post-flight effects on neural stem cells after long-term microgravity exposure and investigate if the delayed effects are the result of genetic changes emerging during microgravity or to secreted components in the medium during the flight. Elucidating delayed effects of microgravity may contribute to the development of new protocols for microgravity exploitation in biomedicine.
The Italian company Mental Economy has developed a training protocol for optimal mental performance "for all those who employ high neural energies in highly stressful and competitive contexts" - athletes, racecar drivers, special forces military staff, and others. Mental Economy Training™(MET) is the technique developed to enhance "neural efficiency" (or the ability for high mental performance with low energy expenditure). The goal of this project is to investigate whether specific skills and cognitive abilities (concentration, focused attention, reactivity, stress management, memory, and others) are affected by spaceflight and how MET™ could be implemented for future crew.
Spaceflight can be a stressful experience for the human body to adapt to changes in microgravity, such as physical demands, nutritional changes, and lack of sleep. The physiological changes can be monitored by profiling the "'omics" of the body — the changes in gene expression (genomics), protein expression (proteomics) or metabolites (metabolomics). A better understanding of these changes in an individual's response to spaceflight can help to develop personalized countermeasure procedures that can optimize the safety and performance of each astronaut. This project aims to gather data to better understand omics changes seen after spaceflight and inform Turkish researchers working on gravitational physiology, aviation, and space medicine on best practices for astronaut care, as part of Türkiye’s rapidly developing national space program.
The Mapping Astronaut Meta-GenOmics: a Microbial Profiling Research (MAGOR) project will monitor the changes in astronauts' gut, urine, and oral microbiomes before, during, and after spaceflight. By identifying changes in the body’s bacterial, fungal, and viral cultures from saliva, urine, and fecal samples, this project will provide insight into how space conditions impact human microbiomes. Insights from the research could inform strategies to maintain astronaut health and could shed light into research to manage microbiome-related conditions on Earth.
An Evaluation of the Human Urinary Microbiome and Urinary Symptoms Throughout a Short-Duration Space-Flight [Microbiome in Space (Ax-1)] evaluates whether space alters the human urinary tract microbiome, or community of microorganisms, during the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM). Urinary tract infections have previously affected astronauts, and microbiome alterations may increase the risk. Results from this investigation could support development of countermeasures for future spaceflight.
The Microfluidic Drug DosageDetection Development (M4D) experiment aims to understand better how liquids behave in "lab on a chip" microfluidics devices in space. The overall goal is to eventually design and manufacture microfluidic devices that can analyze drug stability and quality on long-duration and deep space missions. The experiment will inject liquidi nto the microfluidic device and analyze fluid flow characteristics. Additionally, the study will examine the impact of spaceflight and radiation exposure on a commonly used drug (Tylenol).
Using a human cancer stem cell nanobioreactor model (a vessel that accelerates cell growth conditions) and cancer stem cell reporter system, this investigation will leverage the accelerated aging aspects of the microgravity environment to evaluate early pre-cancer and cancer changes in tumor organoids. This cellular biology project is focused on identifying biomarkers for early detection and supports future aims of cancer stem cell research on the ISS. The Ax-1 crew will study cell samples under a high-resolution microscope to determine cell cycle activity in cancer growth.
This project from the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) and ESA is to monitor and assess the health and adaptation of astronauts' soft tissues during space missions. Before and after flight, crew will undergo soft tissue assessments to measure changes in muscle mass, tendon properties, and flexibility. The study will examine the impact of microgravity on structural and metabolic changes in soft tissues and could help with the development of crew health measure on long duration missions, or lead to improved soft tissue disorder treatments on Earth.
Elevated stress can affect essential functions controlled by the central nervous system (CNS) such as memory, ability to concentrate, sleep, and fine-motor skills. Evaluating Stress Levels Among Space Travelers by Monitoring Changes In Their Central Nervous System Functions [Monitoring Stress (Ax-1)] on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) examines whether the development of emotional distress can be detected by continuous monitoring of basic CNS functions. Results could support development of tools for early intervention to help maintain the well-being and performance of crew members on future long-duration missions. The work also could have applications for hospitalized or quarantined individuals on Earth.
This ongoing ESA study is exploring neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as a possible countermeasure to protect crew from the deleterious effects of microgravity on muscle mass. Crew will conduct NMES sessions and draw blood to monitor physiological changes. The findings could also provide useful insights into muscle and bone health for Earth-based medical conditions, such as osteoporosis and muscle atrophy.
This project aims to identify the pathways responsible for skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity and explore therapeutic targeting strategies. By studying how muscle loss occurs in space, the project seeks to pinpoint specific molecular mechanisms and potential interventions. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing treatments to prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts during long space missions. On Earth, the findings could also impact the understanding of and treatments for muscle-related diseases and conditions related to aging or prolonged immobility.
NUT is a project from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) aiming to shed light on the physiological adaptation mechanisms that human organisms put in place to cope with environmental conditions in space. In particular, the project aims to study the expression profile of different molecular markers before and after a space mission by discriminating the effects induced by microgravity and cosmic rays from those caused by confinement, isolation, and psychophysical stress.
Nano ISS Antenna (Ax-1) on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) tests deployment of a folded antenna used to provide high bandwidth communications. Miniaturized satellite electronics and sensors can provide valuable scientific and navigation capabilities, but small, simple antennas cannot transmit large quantities of data, limiting the usability of small satellites.
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.
In this experiment, a virtual reality (VR) headset system will be used to investigate the effect of microgravity on cognitive function and motor skills. Tasks to assess attention will be performed while a crewmember wears a cap that monitors neural activity (via functional near-infrared spectroscopy, fNIRS). Saliva and tear samples will be collected to investigate stress hormone and biological responses to spaceflight and demanding experimental cognitive tasks. This research adds to data exploring how space travel impacts human cognition and motor planning and execution.
Neurowellness in Space: A Technology Demonstration into the Viability of Long-term Monitoring of Brain Dynamics and Cognitive Function in Space Eco-Systems (Neurowellness in Space [Ax-1]) tests using a portable electroencephalography (EEG) headset to measure differences in brain activity in microgravity on members of the Axiom 1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM). The device is easier to set up than previous systems and measures both ongoing and task-related brain activity. Data on microgravity-induced differences in cognitive performance could help predict neural changes on future long-term space missions.
The ORBGEO project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of geolocation using images captured in orbit. Images of Earth will be taken with onboard cameras and assessed for the accuracy of geolocation possible from the images. Factors like cloud cover, angle from which the image was taken, and other aerial effects will be examined. This research could help improve current Earth observation techniques and improve applications for Earth observation including environmental monitoring and disaster response.
ORION is a continuation of an ongoing study from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to understand the effects of microgravity on ovarian cells and investigate the mechanisms of hormone production and modulation in space. This research aims to understand fundamental mechanisms of fertility that could translate into findings to improve the success of fertility treatments on Earth, as well as begin research to understand reproduction off Earth.
Architecture is known to play a crucial role in shaping physical and social environments and have a direct impact on human physical and psychological well-being. This study aims to investigate the effects of architectural settings, as well as its properties on an astronaut’s cognitive performance, stress levels, and stress recovery rate. This activity looks to study the effects between the above-mentioned factors in isolated and confined environments on Earth and in space analog missions, which are similarly observed in the environment of a space station.
PROMETEO II from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) is a continuation of an ongoing study aimed to investigate how exposure to microgravity and space radiation affects cellular response to stress, as well as the neuroprotective effects of nanoparticles based on nanoceria. The results could help develop protective countermeasures for future spaceflight missions and build on efforts to develop therapeutic tools to treat neurodegenerative diseases on Earth.
Astronauts can experience musculoskeletal pain during or after flight, perhaps because the integrity and function of the musculoskeletal system requires the loading provided by gravity. Pain in Space [Microgravity Pain Sensation (Ax-1)] assesses how short-term exposure to microgravity affects pain sensation, biomechanics, bone physiology, and the musculoskeletal system during the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM). Results could contribute to improved health and well-being for crews on future missions
This project from ESA/POLSA aims to assess whether the collection of neural activity data via near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can be used to establish a human-computer interface in microgravity. The study will collect neural activity and questionnaire data before, during, and after flight. The outcomes from this project could contribute to thedevelopment of advanced technologies on future exploration missions and also provide insights for Earth-based biomedical applications of human-computer interfaces, such as neurotechnology for rehabilitation and assistive devices.
This ESA project is investigating complex (dusty) plasmas — ionized gases produced by high temperatures or strong electric fields, which contain other microparticles such as dust. The presence of microparticles influences the interactions between the molecules in the plasma, making them useful to study the fundamental properties of plasmas. However, on Earth, gravity distorts these interactions, so microgravity allows a clearer understanding of these interactions. These kinds of plasmas are of high scientific interest as researchers want to investigate the microscopic and macroscopic properties of complex plasmas in microgravity and investigate the liquid phase and flow phenomena of these unusual substances. Dusty plasmas help us understand the interactions of matter in space (e.g. in Saturn's rings). These plasmas are related to the formation of unusual high altitude noctilucent clouds and can affect the manufacturing of silicon wafers for semiconductors and silicon chips, which helps understand broad applications across a range of industries.
Propolis extract is a natural product from bees called "bee glue" used for hive construction and maintenance, which has the potential to be characterized as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This project is a STEM project led by 13–14-year-old students aiming to investigate the effect of propolis extract on bacteria in microgravity. If the experiments prove that propolis extract can exhibit anti-microbial properties in space, it could open avenues for future research on new and natural product-based cleaning agents for future spaceflight applications.
The HUNOR RANDAM (RAdNano Dosimeter Astronaut Module) project aims to monitor crew radiation exposure and environmental conditions during the Ax-4 mission. The miniaturized devices designed for everyday personal wear will track radiation levels, temperature, humidity, air pressure, carbon dioxide levels, light intensity, and magnetic fields. Measurement of radiation levels are important for crew health and safety. Insights gained could improve radiation protection strategies for future spaceflight and advance Earth-based technologies for radiation monitoring and environmental sensing.
In partnership with the Italian race car engineering and manufacturing company Dallara, this project aims to measure the shielding capacity and effects of radiation on various advanced aerospace materials for spaceflight. The materials could be used to make components of future space stations, spacecraft, and spacesuits to help shield humans and hardware from space radiation.
Cuisine in space is important not just for nutritional purposes but also as a way to improve astronauts' quality of life. In this project from Italian food company Barilla, ready-made pasta will be heated and taste-tested in microgravity as part of an effort to develop a broader range of tasty foods in space for future space travelers.
Digital Tablet Eye Vision Test for Space Missions [Reflective Eye Test (Ax-1)] on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM) evaluates visual function before, during and after spaceflight using well-tested software on a hand-held device. Results are expected to provide information on the effects of weightlessness on visual and other brain functions.
The SASHA-3 (Space Hematopoeitic Stem Cell Aging) study, led by the University of California-San Diego (UCSD), investigates the effects of spaceflight on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by examining the activation of DNA and RNA-editing enzymes, APOBEC and ADAR1, which are linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer. The research aims to evaluate how these enzymes impact HSCs and their mutations during space travel. HSCs will be isolated from blood samples collected at various time points before, during, and after flight. Understanding how spaceflight influences HSC function and mutations could provide insights into the mechanisms of stem cell aging, cancer, and inflammation, with potential benefits for improving treatments for blood disorders and understanding disease processes on Earth.
This is an educational activity aimed to inspire interest in space exploration, STEM subjects, and environmental awareness.
The Saudi Space Agency’s (SSA) Microgravity Challenge features the winning hardware, science experiments, and artwork from the Madak competition, which received over 80,000 submissions from students aged 6-18 across the Arab region. Ten winners were selected across three categories: arts, agriculture, and engineering. The competition aims to foster innovation in space science, stimulating creative thinking and interest in space-related fields. By encouraging young talents, it seeks to inspire the next generation of space professionals, contributing to the growth of the space sector in the Arab world and the global space economy.
These will consist of four different STEAM outreach activities for Indian students.
Short Term Anatomical and Biomechanical Changes of the Eye in Microgravity on Axiom-1 Mission (Sansori Ax-1) assesses eye and vision changes in crew members on the Axiom-1 (Ax-1) private astronaut mission (PAM). Many but not all astronauts experience changes in eye anatomy and visual acuity known as Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), and a better understanding of the condition could support development of countermeasures.
This project from POLSA/ESA will use a radiation monitor inside the ISS’s Columbus module to measure space radiation levels. A larger version of this device has already been deployed inside the tunnels of CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator to monitor for possible radiation damage to electronics. This experiment aims to refine radiation models for space environments and support the planning for future deep-space missions, where space radiation can cause damage to human bodies and electronics. On Earth, this technology could enhance radiation monitoring in various healthcare and industrial settings.
DiRoS-B experiment investigates fluid dynamics in conditions that only microgravity can provide. Namely, where multiple physical characteristics (flow velocity differences, inertial forces and spherical geometry) interact simultaneously as main actors on the fluid flow. By precisely adjusting fluidics parameters and tracking microparticles in a spinning tennis-ball-sized water drop, the results will provide analogous insights into large-scale atmospheric phenomena on gas giant planets, such as Saturn's North Polar Hexagon. The theories tested on orbit will benefit planetary science and improve our knowledge of atmospheric behavior in space, with potential applications for both space mining and Earth-focused climate research into atmospheric and fluid dynamics.
The Sleep in Orbit project will investigate the effects of sleeping in microgravity by monitoring sleep patterns in space and comparing them to sleep on Earth using in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment. Understanding more about disturbed sleep or adaptation of sleep patterns to new environments could help understand the cognitive impacts of poor sleep, including problems with attention, concentration, learning and memory, decision making, and emotional processing.
The Smart Flight Suit 2, developed by Italian company Spacewear, is a suit for spaceflight specially designed to monitor an astronaut's physiological status, which can help keep the crew healthy in space. The suit, which will be tested by the crew during the Ax-3 mission as a technology demonstration, contains sensors that monitor the heart's beating patterns, body temperature, and movement. The goals of this project are to test the comfort and behavior of the suit's fabrics in space, validate the function of the inbuilt sensors, and validate the utility of the suit within a microgravity environment (e.g. how easy is it to don and use during spaceflight).
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