Space affects the human body in unique ways, including muscle loss, bone density reduction, and changes to the immune system. NASA’s research on this mission will examine how these changes occur
One of the key experiments on this mission will involve monitoring radiation levels aboard the ISS and testing new shielding technologies.
The immune system behaves differently in space, becoming less effective at fighting off infections. The mission will carry experiments that analyze how microgravity alters immune cell function.
This mission will include research on how bacteria and fungi adapt to microgravity, which could help NASA develop better cleaning and sterilization procedures.
Safety is paramount on the ISS, and fire is a major concern in the oxygen-rich environment of a spacecraft. The SpaceX CRS-31 mission will carry an experiment to study how fires spread in microgravity.
Another groundbreaking experiment aboard the mission is the Biofabrication Facility. This project will explore the possibility of 3D-printing human tissue in space, which could eventually lead to new ways to produce human organ
The knowledge gained from these health and safety experiments will be critical for planning future deep space missions, including NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon, and missions to Mars.
The research into muscle and bone loss, immune system changes, and microbiome management could lead to improved treatments for diseases and conditions that affect millions of people.