Axiom Space private astronaut missions support breakthroughs in space, bringing benefits to every human, everywhere.
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.
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