Space Physiology & Medicine Archives

Biofilms, shown here, are structured communities of microorganisms that could be important to space exploration.

AI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Press Release, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations

Rethinking The Microbial Future of Space Travel

by Keith CowingMarch 1, 2026March 1, 2026

University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai is part of NASA’s Analysis Working Groups (AWG) and co-author of a review paper published Jan. 22 in npj Biofilms Microbiomes. The group’s microbes […]

An image shows the culture medium bags during preflight testing as part of the MVP Cell-09. Credit. University of Alabama at Birmingham. Date Created:2026-01-29 Larger image

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Gravitational Biology, Life Support Systems, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Sample Return, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations, Status Report

Offworld Space Biology: Streptococcus Pneumoniae Behavior In Microgravity

by Keith CowingFebruary 17, 2026February 17, 2026

This investigation aims to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Streptococcus pneumoniae, the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia damages heart tissue.

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Radiation, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Status Report, Tardigrades

Radioprotection Redefined: Drug Discovery At The Intersection Of Tardigrade Biology And Translational Pharmacology

by Keith CowingFebruary 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Harnessing tardigrade-inspired radioprotective strategies to revolutionize defense against ionizing radiation in medicine and space exploration.

jsc2026e004238 (February 02, 2026) Larger image Credit: NASA.

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Life Support Systems, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations, Tricorders & Sensors

Offworld Life Science: Making Medical Grade Saline In Space

by Keith CowingFebruary 7, 2026

Editor’s note: in addition to biomedical uses for crew health, having the ability to produce sterile solutions – in space – can have additional uses for non-human biological experimentation including […]

Life Support Systems, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Radiation, Space Agriculture, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations

10 Days Left To Apply: Vast x Explorers Club Grant

by Keith CowingFebruary 6, 2026February 6, 2026

There are ten days left to apply for the Vast x Explorers Club Grant, a new opportunity made possible through our partnership with Vast, the leader in developing next-generation space […]

Source: The SLS launch vehicle, a detail of the HERA system installed in the Orion spacecraft, and Timepix chips NASA / SRAG-JSC / ADVACAM

Artemis & Lunar Exploration, Astronauts and Explorers, Exploration Gear & Tech, Press Release, Radiation, Space Physiology & Medicine, Tricorders & Sensors

Tricorder Tech: Cosmic Radiation Aboard Artemis II Orion Will Be Monitored by Six Specialized Chips Supplied by ADVACAM

by Keith CowingFebruary 5, 2026February 5, 2026

When, in February March 2026, the massive SLS rocket lifts off from the launch pad at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with four astronauts on board, six chips designed […]

iss070e014729 (Oct. 29, 2023) -- Orbital nighttime peeks through the International Space Station's cupola, or "window to the world," nearly 270 miles above the Indian Ocean. In the right window, the cymbal-shaped solar array that powers Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft can be seen. Media Credit: NASA

Life Support Systems, Microbiology & Virology, Microgravity, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations, Status Report

A Next Generation Space Antimicrobial: Assessing Microbial Activity And Reduction Across The ISS

by Keith CowingJanuary 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Microbial contamination in spacecraft poses a threat to crew health and operational integrity. Currently, microbial reduction aboard the International Space Station (ISS) relies on rigorous cleaning, which is time-consuming for […]

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Press Release, Radiation, Space Physiology & Medicine

Artemis II AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response)

by Keith CowingJanuary 20, 2026January 20, 2026

The AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response) investigation will use organ-on-a-chip devices, or organ chips, to study a effects of increased radiation and microgravity on human health.

The gloved hands of NASA astronaut inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox iss073e0759779 (Sept. 2, 2025) -- NASA -- larger image

Astropharmacy / Biotechnology, Commercial & Private Sector, Gravitational Biology, People Of Astrobiology, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine, Space Stations, Status Report

Offworld Biology: Stem Cell Research Inside The Microgravity Science Glovebox

by Keith CowingNovember 20, 2025November 19, 2025

A top-down view inside the Destiny laboratory module’s Microgravity Science Glovebox shows the gloved arms and hands of NASA astronaut and Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Zena Cardman.