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Beyond Earth: How Microgravity is revolutionising medical research and innovation

The dawn of space medicine

By Ross Hamilton

An astronaut experiments with sensory motor performance in a microgravity situation. (NASA)
An astronaut experiments with sensory motor performance in a microgravity situation. (NASA)

A new era of pharmaceutical research and medical innovation is quietly developing hundreds of miles above our heads. On board the International Space Station and on new platforms like Pioneer launched by Rocket Lab for Varda Space Industries, new environments are being created for breakthrough medical and scientific research that could benefit humankind back down on Terra Firma!


What is the key advantage to space-based research and development? Micro-gravity.


From developing more effective cancer treatments, growing crystals for HIV pharmaceuticals, strengthening failing hearts through stem cell research and fighting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, medical research carried out in microgravity has shown promising results across multiple areas that will advance drug development and treatment innovations. Importantly, this also creates significant investment opportunities spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and space technology infrastructure, as well as core medical and life science research.


The continued advancement of space-based life sciences will rely on the robust collaboration between space agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. Success will require not only technological innovation but also carefully crafted regulatory frameworks and sustainable funding mechanisms to support long-term research and development efforts.


Current Space-Based Research


Protein Crystallization

Using the microgravity of orbiting Earth, scientists are growing protein crystals in space to understand their molecular structure at an unprecedented level of detail. This process involves carefully controlling temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors in specialized orbital laboratories. Without Earth's gravity interfering with crystal formation, proteins can form larger, more perfect crystalline structures which allows researchers to use X-ray crystallography to map precise molecular arrangements.


Space-grown protein crystallization and cellular behavior studies are informing new targeted cancer therapies and drug delivery methods, including more effective and less invasive cancer treatments, particularly for aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers.


The microgravity environment also provides new opportunities for studying

NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore setting up the Rodent Reseach-1 Hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox aboard the International Space Station. (NASA)
NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore setting up the Rodent Reseach-1 Hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox aboard the International Space Station. (NASA)

neurodegenerative diseases. Pristine crystal formation created in microgravity allows researchers to obtain highly detailed views of the protein structures and how they misfold and aggregate, causing neurological damage found in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, studies of neural adaptation in space are providing new insights into brain plasticity and potential protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration.


Cell Behavior and Growth

Recent studies in space are revealing how cells function, divide, and communicate in microgravity, revealing behaviors normally masked by Earth's gravity. Specialized bioreactors in space stations - initially, the International Space Station (ISS) - maintain optimal conditions for cell growth while allowing researchers to observe and document cellular processes in three dimensions that are larger than can be created on Earth.


For example, the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab and NASA have selected projects for cancer research in space that include: growing cardiac spheroids to test cancer drug toxicity on the heart; studying accelerated cancer development in microgravity using patient-derived tumor organoids; investigating the effectiveness of chemotherapy on colorectal cancer organoids in space; and, a pioneering UK research project, D(MG), is set to study the three-dimensional spread of diffuse midline glioma cancer cells in microgravity on the ISS.


Based at the University of Cambridge, The Spatial Profiling and Annotation Centre of Excellence (SPACE) has been established with £5m in funding to provide access to groundbreaking cancer mapping technology. This collaboration between astronomers and cancer researchers uses advanced spatial biology techniques to analyze tumors in 3D - some of which are based on technology originally developed to map the Milky Way!


In the short-term we are gaining an understanding of cell behavior, improved cancer research methods, and new insights into aging processes. Long-term this could lead to the development of advanced treatments for degenerative diseases, revolutionary cancer therapies, and potential breakthroughs in tissue regeneration.


We also expect to be able to better understand accelerated bone loss in microgravity to gain insights into developing advanced therapies for osteoporosis, improved bone healing techniques, and better treatments for skeletal disorders.


Immunological Disorders

Research in microgravity environments has revealed fascinating insights into immune cell behavior and their responses that are not possible on Earth. These new studies have led to breakthroughs in the understanding autoimmune conditions and represent promising progress towards more targeted and effective therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other immune system disorders.


Cardiovascular Diseases

Understanding how the heart and blood vessels adapt to microgravity offers unique insights into cardiovascular health. In Space, the absence of gravity causes bodily fluids to redistribute, particularly affecting blood volume and pressure regulation. Scientists monitor these changes using advanced imaging and biomonitoring systems, studying how the cardiovascular system adapts to these extreme conditions.


Short-term benefits include improved understanding of blood pressure regulation, heart muscle function, and fluid distribution patterns, leading to better diagnostic tools for cardiovascular conditions. In the long-term this could lead to the development of novel treatments for heart failure, hypertension, and circulatory disorders, plus innovative therapeutic approaches for conditions affected by fluid dynamics and blood flow.


Cosmic Radiation Research

Space-based research laboratories are conducting studies on radiation effects by exposing living organisms to the unique radiation environment beyond Earth's protective atmosphere. Using state-of-the-art monitoring systems, scientists track real-time changes in cellular structures, genetic material, and biological functions when exposed to various types of cosmic radiation.


Astronaut Kayla Barron harvests cotton cell samples (NASA)
Astronaut Kayla Barron harvests cotton cell samples (NASA)

These studies employ advanced detection equipment to measure different radiation types (including gamma rays, cosmic rays, and solar particles) while sophisticated biosensors monitor organisms' responses at molecular and systemic levels. Automated analysis systems collect continuous data on DNA damage patterns, cellular repair mechanisms, and physiological adaptations.


In the short term, this research has already improved radiation shielding for spacecraft and astronaut protection, while providing valuable insights into radiation-induced cellular damage and repair mechanisms. These advances have also enhanced radiation safety protocols for both space exploration and Earth-based applications.


Looking to the future, this research shows tremendous promise for developing more precise and effective radiation therapy techniques for cancer treatment, as well as revolutionary radiation protection technologies for various industries. Scientists anticipate breakthroughs in drugs that enhance natural DNA repair processes and new treatments for radiation-induced illnesses, potentially transforming how we approach radiation exposure both in space and on Earth.


Space-Specific Medical Treatments

Space-based medical research encompasses the development of specialized interventions and treatments uniquely suited for microgravity environments. Researchers systematically evaluate how existing medications behave differently in space, examining changes in drug stability, absorption, and effectiveness, while carefully studying how the human body's altered physiology in microgravity affects drug metabolism and distribution.


In the short term, this research has already improved medical care protocols for astronauts during long-duration missions, enhanced our understanding of pharmaceutical stability in space environments, and led to the development of specialized drug delivery systems for microgravity conditions.


The long-term implications extend far beyond space applications, promising novel drug delivery technologies that could revolutionize targeted therapies on Earth, advanced manufacturing techniques for producing pharmaceuticals with higher purity and crystalline perfection, and new insights into drug absorption and metabolism that could lead to more effective medications. Perhaps most exciting is the potential for breakthroughs in personalized medicine based on space-derived research methods.


Who Is Doing What in Space?


Cancer Research

Merck & Co., Bristol Myers Squibb, and Novartis are at the forefront of protein crystallization studies, enabling more precise drug targeting. Space Tango provides specialized platforms for cancer cell research, including investigations on patient-derived microtumors, while SpacePharma's miniaturized labs facilitate drug discovery experiments.


Bone and Muscle Disorders

Amgen, also working with NASA’s Ames Research Center, leads research on bone density and muscle atrophy in space, with Novartis complementing these efforts through musculoskeletal condition studies. Redwire Space 3D BioFabrication Facility (BFF), aka 3D bioprinter, on the ISS is advancing tissue engineering possibilities for bone and muscle regeneration.


Immune System Research

Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, and Merck & Co. are studying immune responses in space, with particular focus on vaccine development and immunological disorders. Sanofi's protein-based therapeutics research is enhanced by Varda Space Industries' in-space manufacturing capabilities.


Neurodegenerative Diseases

Space Tango and SpacePharma provide specialized research platforms, while Axiom Space and Sierra Space are developing dedicated facilities for long-term neurological research.


Space Supply Chain Opportunities


In order for these advancements in medical research to happen, there needs to be the full integration of the supply chain, which means real commercialization opportunities for new types of companies, and the broader industrialization of space.


1. Commercial Space Stations and Research Facilities Axiom Space is developing a commercial space station with dedicated medical research modules, expected to include specialized protein crystallization chambers and automated bioprocessing unit. Sierra Space's Dream Chaser program aims to provide regular cargo transport for biological samples and medical supplies. Both companies are designing modular laboratories that can be customized for specific research needs. And Varda Space Industries develops spacecraft capable of manufacturing in orbit, especially drugs and other materials such as semiconductors and fiber optics, and to also reentry capsules to bring the results back down to Earth


2. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Varda Space Industries is developing autonomous manufacturing systems for pharmaceutical crystallization, with plans for continuous production of specific drug compounds. Redwire Space produce bioprinting facilities that are advancing bioprinting complex tissue structures and potentially entire organs. Made In Space, who were acquired by Redwire Space, create next-generation 3D printing technology for producing medical devices and pharmaceutical components in orbit


3. Research Automation and Miniaturization Space Tango's automated research platforms are evolving to include AI-driven experiment monitoring and adjustment capabilities. Space Pharma is developing next-generation miniaturized labs with enhanced sensing capabilities and real-time data analysis. New microfluidic systems are being designed for more efficient drug testing and development

Rocket Lab's Pioneer Spacecraft for Varda (Rocket Lab USA)
Rocket Lab's Pioneer Spacecraft for Varda (Rocket Lab USA)

Other Commercial Opportunities


There are a host of other components of the supply chain that present real opportunities for innovative companies.


Enhanced Drug Development Platforms

Imagine having specialized bioreactors for studying cell behavior in microgravity with precise environmental control, integrated with artificial intelligence for predicting protein crystal growth patterns and optimizing growth conditions. This could enable the creation of automated systems for rapid screening of drug candidates in microgravity.


Transportation and Storage Solutions

Imagine developing advanced cryogenic storage systems for biological samples. This would involve the creation of specialized containers for maintaining precise environmental conditions during space transport, and real-time monitoring systems for sensitive biological materials.


Data Management and Analysis

Imaging having advanced AI systems for real-time experiment monitoring and adjustment that would allow integrated data analysis platforms for comparing Earth-based and space-based research results. We could also create standardized protocols for space-based pharmaceutical research and development.


Current Challenges


High costs of space-based research and development

Current estimates for space-based research can range from $10-50 million per project, including launch costs, specialized equipment, and ongoing operational expenses. This creates significant barriers to entry for smaller companies and research institutions.


Technical limitations of current space facilities

Existing space laboratories face challenges with power constraints, limited workspace, and the need for specialized equipment that can function in microgravity. Additionally, current facilities can only accommodate a limited number of experiments simultaneously.


Regulatory frameworks for space-manufactured pharmaceuticals

The FDA and other regulatory bodies are still developing comprehensive guidelines for space-manufactured drugs. This includes challenges in quality control, testing protocols, and ensuring consistency between space-produced and Earth-produced pharmaceuticals.


Transportation and storage of biological materials

Maintaining sample integrity during launch and reentry poses significant challenges. Specialized containment systems must protect against temperature fluctuations, radiation exposure, and gravitational forces, while meeting strict safety protocols for space transport.


Success in this frontier will require sustained investment, regulatory adaptation, and innovative solutions to current technical challenges. However, the potential benefits to human health make this a compelling area for continued development and investment.


Future Outlook


Space-based medical research is primed to stand at the forefront of scientific innovation with the potential for breakthroughs in life sciences and healthcare. Beyond individual treatments it would also represent a powerful convergence of aerospace engineering, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical research.

Experiments on parabolic flights performed successfully (ESA)
Experiments on parabolic flights performed successfully (ESA)

With advancing technology and decreasing costs, more pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and biotechnology firms are likely to invest in and use orbital research facilities as a core component of their future research and development. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence, automated research platforms, and space-based manufacturing will accelerate the development of novel treatments and therapies to an even greater extent.


However, success will depend on sustained and international collaboration between private industry, government agencies, and research institutions. National and international regulatory and legal frameworks will need to evolve and adapt over time to accommodate this growing marketplace


We stand at the threshold, a new dawn of space-based medical research. Our journey beyond Earth's atmosphere and into that of microgravity offers significant scientific advancement, and more alluringly, the unlocking of some of humankind’s most innovative medical solutions for generations to come.

Written by:

Ross Hamilton

Chief Operating Officer

Space Network

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