Axiom Space private astronaut missions support breakthroughs in space, bringing benefits to every human, everywhere.
Developed by Extremo Technologies and implemented onboard the International Space Station in partnership with the ICE Cubes Service, the Space Volcanic Algae project from POLSA/ESA investigates the potential of red microalgae for use during for long-duration space exploration missions. These algae are hardy and thrive in extreme environments, and could be used for oxygen production, waste management, and toxic compound decomposition in space. The study will analyze the genes that control oxygen production and metabolism in space-grown algae, comparing them with ground controls. Data from these experiments will enhance our understanding of extremophiles - organisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions - and identify adaptations essential for oxygen production and other biochemical processes. The insights could also lead to improved industrial applications on Earth.
This ISRO experiment will investigate the impacts of spaceflight on germination and growth of crop seeds. After the mission, seeds will be grown for multiple generations and the effects on genetics, microbial load, and nutritional profile investifated. This project aims to help understand how crops may be grown in space for future exploration missions.
This POLSA/ESA project aims to test methods for extending the shelf-life of pharmaceuticals during long-duration space flights by studying the effects of cosmic radiation on drug stability. The experiment will launch sample packages to the ISS to be stored under different conditions for 1, 2, and 3 years. After return, samples will be analyzed and compared to ground control samples. The findings could improve drug preservation and storage on Earth, especially in challenging environments.
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.
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