iss072e146315 (Nov. 6, 2024) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Nick Hague works inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module on space biology research. Hague was exploring the potential of biomanufacturing using microorganisms and cell cultures to create food, medicine, and more in the microgravity environment reducing the need for cargo missions launched from Earth and promoting crew self-sufficiency during long-term missions.

NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) is officially packaged and ready for handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Scientists package up part of NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for official handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Scientists package up part of NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for official handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Scientists package up part of NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for official handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Scientists package up part of NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for official handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) is officially packaged and ready for handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Scientists package up part of NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for official handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Scientists package up part of NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for official handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) is officially packaged and ready for handover to the Orion team for Artemis I inside the Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 18, 2022. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry Arabidopsis, algae, yeast, and fungi science payloads for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit aboard the Orion capsule on the Artemis I mission. The payload container assemblies will be installed onto panels in the Orion capsule and will return to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

These ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, photographed Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

These ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, photographed Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

These ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, photographed Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Lashelle Spencer, plant scientist with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, takes measurements on ‘Red Robin’ dwarf tomato plants, Jan. 10, 2020, inside a laboratory in the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility. The tomatoes are growing from seeds that have been exposed to simulated solar particle radiation. The plants’ edible mass and nutrients will be measured and compared to those of a control crop, grown from non-irradiated seeds. The project was designed to confirm that nutritious, high-quality produce can be reliably grown in deep space, or to provide a baseline to guide development of countermeasures to protect future crop foods from radiation during missions beyond low-Earth orbit. The investigation on space radiation impact on seeds and crop production also will be carried on the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform outside the station, supported NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Space Biology Program, and potentially on future beyond-low-Earth platforms.

Space Station Gravitational Biology Facility Project Mock-up with Kristine Guerra (2.5) with Biolab (simulating weightlessness in space)

NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) undergoes testing in the Vibration Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 13, 2021. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry plants, algae, yeast, and fungi for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). NASA will install the BioExpt-1 payload container assembles onto panels inside the Orion capsule. BioExpt-1 will return these science payloads to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond LEO for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration of the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Dr. Laurel Karr of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center uses a stereo microscope to analyz protein crystals as a part of NASA's structural biology program.

iss062e038364 (Feb. 21, 2020) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 62 Flight Engineer Andrew Morgan conducts research operations inside the Life Sciences Glovebox, a facility that enables a variety of space biology investigations aboard the International Space Station. Morgan was specifically investigating the differences in bone biology in microgravity versus on Earth for the OsteoOmics-02 experiment.

Adam Chaney, a mechanical engineer with the Laboratory Support Services and Operations (LASSO) contract at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepares NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) for testing in the Vibration Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 13, 2021. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry plants, algae, yeast, and fungi for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). NASA will install the BioExpt-1 payload container assembles onto panels inside the Orion capsule. BioExpt-1 will return these science payloads to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond LEO for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration of the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

Dave Flowers, the project manager for NASA’s Biology Experiment-1 (BioExpt-1) in Exploration Research and Technology Programs, prepares it for testing in the Vibration Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 13, 2021. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry plants, algae, yeast, and fungi for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). NASA will install the BioExpt-1 payload container assembles onto panels inside the Orion capsule. BioExpt-1 will return these science payloads to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond LEO for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration of the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

iss062e103684 (3/21/2020) --- A view of the rack containing CBEF-L (Cell Biology Experiment Facility-L) IU1 and CBEF-L IU2 in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Pressurized Module (JPM). aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Cell Biology Experiment Facility-L (CBEF-L) is a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) new subrack facility, which is an upgraded facility of the original Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). CBEF-L provides new capabilities with additional new resources such as Full High Definition video interface, Ethernet, 24 VDC power supply, and a larger diameter centrifugal test environment. By using the original CBEF and CBEF-L as one facility for the same experiment, the payload user is provided with an upgraded experimental environment that can handle the processing of more experimental samples for a wider array of experiments.

iss069e062399 (Aug. 18, 2023) --- UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Sultan Alneyadi works on space biology research hardware located inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module.

ISS021-E-006261 (13 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, works with the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) SPACE SEED experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS021-E-006267 (13 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, works with the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) SPACE SEED experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss069e062389 (Aug. 18, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Stephen Bowen works on space biology research hardware located inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module.

ISS020-E-019027 (10 July 2009) --- European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works at the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS025-E-008416 (21 Oct. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, Expedition 25 flight engineer, uses a computer while working at the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

jsc2024e041794 (2/2/2018) --- JAXA Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF)'s 1G compartment door is opened in the Kibo module on the International Space Station. Image courtesy of JAXA/NASA.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin learns about the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

ISS025-E-008414 (21 Oct. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, Expedition 25 flight engineer, works at the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS018-E-034090 (20 Feb. 2009) --- Astronaut Sandra Magnus, Expedition 18 flight engineer, uses a communication system near the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

NASA’s BioExperiment-1 is being prepared for testing in the Vibration Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 13, 2021. BioExpt-1 is a space biology pathfinder, which will carry plant, algae, yeast, and fungi for biology research beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). NASA will install the BioExpt-1 payload container assembles onto panels inside the Orion capsule. BioExpt-1 will return these science payloads to Earth to provide critical and unique data about life beyond LEO for the first time in more than 40 years. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration of the Moon and eventually on to Mars.

ISS036-E-037859 (27 Aug. 2013) --- European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, Expedition 36 flight engineer, works with the Biolab in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station. Biolab is used to perform space biology experiments on microorganisms, cells, tissue cultures, plants and small invertebrates.

Cindy Barnes of University Space Research Association (USRA) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center pipettes a protein solution in preparation to grow crystals as part of NASA's structural biology program. Research on Earth helps scientists define conditions and specimens they will use in space experiments.

iss071e037626 (April 23, 2024) --- Expedition 71 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson services components and cleans hardware inside the Advanced Space Experiment Processor, a research device that can host a variety of space biology experiments, located in the International Space Station's Columbus laboratory.

ISS021-E-006256 (13 Oct. 2009) --- A close-up view of the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) SPACE SEED experiment is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 21 crew member in the Kibo laboratory on the International Space Station.

ISS038-E-008037 (25 Nov. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, Expedition 38 flight engineer, works with Biolab hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station. Biolab is used to perform space biology experiments on microorganisms, cells, tissue cultures, plants and small invertebrates.

iss073e0002614 (April 28, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Nichole Ayers shows off research hardware inside the International Space Station's Columbus laboratory module. The Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory is a research incubator that enables biology investigations into the effects of microgravity on cells, microbes, plants, and more.

iss059e063924 (May 18, 2019) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques of Expedition 59 works on the Multi-use Variable-g Platform (MVP) hardware. MVP enables space biology research into a variety of small organisms such as fruit flies, flatworms, plants, fish, cells, protein crystals and many others.

ISS021-E-006274 (13 Oct. 2009) --- A close-up view of the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) SPACE SEED experiment is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 21 crew member in the Kibo laboratory on the International Space Station.

iss064e033239 (Feb. 16, 2021) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 64 Flight Engineer Victor Glover poses for a portrait in front of the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) located inside the International Space Station's U.S. Destiny laboratory module. The MSG supports a wide variety of space studies exploring everything from physics to biology.

iss065e277010 (Aug. 19, 2021) --- A view of cell samples for the Anti-Atrophy muscle investigation inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The samples are being incubated and observed in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility to learn how to prevent and treat space-caused muscle atrophy and Earth-bound muscle conditions.

ISS021-E-006292 (14 Oct. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 21 flight engineer, using a watering syringe, supplies water to the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) SPACE SEED experiment in the Kibo laboratory on the International Space Station.

ISS038-E-008033 (25 Nov. 2013) --- NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, Expedition 38 flight engineer, works with Biolab hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station. Biolab is used to perform space biology experiments on microorganisms, cells, tissue cultures, plants and small invertebrates.

Lisa Crawford, a graduate research assistant from the University of Toledo, works with Laurel Karr of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in the molecular biology laboratory. They are donducting genetic manipulation of bacteria and yeast for the production of large amount of desired protein. Photo credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The second International Microgravity Laboratory-2 (IML-2) is off to an ontime start as the Space Shuttle Columbia lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at 12:43:00 p.m. EDT. On board are a crew of seven and more than 80 investigations developed by more than 200 scientists from 13 countries. The IML-2 complement includes materials science, bioprocessing, space and radiation biology, and human physiology experiments that will be carried out over the course of the 14-day flight. The commander of Space Shuttle Mission STS-65 is Robert D. Cabana. James D. Halsell Jr. is the pilot; the payload commander is Richard J. Hieb; the three mission specialists are Carl E. Walz, Leroy Chiao and Donald A. Thomas. Dr. Chiaki Mukai, representing NASDA, the National Space Development Agency of Japan, is the payload specialist. Mukai becomes the first Japanese woman to fly into space.

iss070e015767 (Oct. 30, 2023) --- JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa poses for a portrait next to the Cell Biology Experiment Facility Incubator Unit inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module.

iss068e027511_alt (Dec. 6, 2022) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Frank Rubio activates hardware for a space biology experiment that is studying how weightlessness affects genetic expression in microbes to understand bacterial adaptation and protect astronauts.

ISS028-E-009727 (25 June 2011) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 28 flight engineer, is pictured near the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss069e085467 (Sept. 1, 2023) --- Expedition 69 Flight Engineer and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa removes experiment hardware from inside the Multi-use Variable-g Platform, a biology research device that can generate artificial gravity inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, left, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, left, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

ISS049e038794 (10/14/2016 --- NASA astronaut Kate Rubins holds a communication microphone while floating in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory aboard the International Space Station. Rubins, a first time flier with a degree in molecular biology, is scheduled to return to Earth on Oct. 29, 2016, U.S. time

iss069e038998 (July 28, 2023) --- UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Sultan Alneyadi performs maintenance on the Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory (SABL), a research incubator. The SABL supports a wide variety of biology and botany investigations, including physics and materials science experiments.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, right, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins tours a biology laboratory after giving a presentation about her time in space as part of Expeditions 67 and 68, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Howard University in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

iss070e085869 (Feb. 2, 2024) --- Expedition 70 Flight Engineers (from left) Loral O'Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli are pictured in front of the Microgravity Science Glovebox, a research facilty that can host a variety of biology and physics experiments, located in the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module.

iss054e022372 (1/20/2018) --- Photo documentation of Arabidopsis seedlings from the Petri Plants-2 experiment in the Destiny U.S. Laboratory aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Characterizing Arabidopsis Root Attractions-2 (CARA-2) investigation explores the molecular biology guiding the altered growth of plants, specifically roots, in spaceflight.

iss068e021206 (Nov. 9, 2022) --- Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) works inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module connecting cables and reconfiguring sensors on the Cell Biology Experiment Facility, a research incubator with an artificial gravity generator.

iss068e027642 (Dec. 7, 2022) --- Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) poses for a portrait in front of the Columbus laboratory module's BioLab, a research facility used to perform space biology experiments on microorganisms, cells, tissue cultures, small plants, and small invertebrates.

iss070e023516 (Nov. 12, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli sets up research hardware for the Cell Gravisensing-2 study to learn how cells respond to the lack of gravity promoting space biology and improving treatments for ailments on Earth.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, right, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

iss068e019720 (Oct. 24, 2022) --- Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) works on the Microgravity Science Glovebox, which hosts numerous space science experiments from physics to biology, and cleans its fans. filters, and components.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, left, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

iss072e033530 (Oct. 10, 2024) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Don Pettit works inside the Kibo laboratory module checking out biology imaging hardware, the Tele-Luminescence Analysis System (TELLAS), that can detect space-caused inflammatory changes to tissues and genes in organisms.

ISS020-E-020276 (9 July 2009) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works at the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

Director of Science Michael Hesse, left, presents an overview of Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) to Acting Deputy Associate Administrator (DAA) for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Mark Clampin in the Bioscience Collaborative Laboratory, N288.

Researchers in Robert Ferl’s lab at the University of Florida in Gainesville, genetically altered this Arabdopsis Thaliana (a brassica species) plant to learn how extreme environments, such as the low atmospheric pressure on Mars, affect plant genes. They inserted green fluorescent protein (GFP) near the on/off switches for anoxia and drought genes. When those genes were turned on after exposure to reduced atmospheric pressure, GFP was turned on as well, causing cells expressing those genes to glow green under a blue light. The natural fluorescence of chlorophyll accounts for the red glow.

Advanced Plant Experiment, APEX-4, support in the Telescience Support Center at NASA Glenn. APEX-4 continues a highly successful investigation into the effects of microgravity on the development of roots and cells on plant seedlings. After four days of growth, the petri plate will be inserted into the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) Light Microscopy Module (LMM) facility for detailed imaging.

jsc2023e031075 (3/13/2023) --- Genes in Space-10 winner, student Pristine Onuoha (right), and miniPCR biology team member Dr. Ally Huang (left) analyze data in preparation for launch of the Genes in Space-10 investigation to the International Space Station. The Genes in Space program enables students to learn about biotechnology and its potential applications. Image courtesy of Genes in Space.

JSC2003-E-42552 (For Release: 18 June 2003) --- This artwork depicts the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), Japan's primary contribution to the International Space Station. The JEM, called Kibo, which means "hope" in Japanese, is Japan's first human space facility and enhances the unique research capabilities of the International Space Station. Experiments in Kibo focus on space medicine, biology, earth observations, material production, biotechnology, and communications research. Photo Credit: NASDA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) technician inspects the wiring on the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). The JEM, developed by JAXA for use on the International Space Station, is named Kibo -- which means "hope" in Japanese -- and will enhance the unique research capabilities of the orbiting complex by providing an additional environment for astronauts to conduct science experiments. Research conducted in Kibo will focus on space medicine, biology, Earth observations, material production, biotechnology and communications. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

iss073e0025371 (5/7/2025) --- NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers prepares to swap sample cassettes inside the Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4 (ADSEP-4). The research device enables the automated processing of samples in microgravity, is configurable for space biology and space physics investigations, and can be launched to the International Space Station and returned to Earth inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft for further processing and analysis.

iss071e515518 (Aug. 20, 2024) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Tracy C. Dyson swaps a hard drive inside the Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4, or ADSEP-4. The research device enables the automated processing of samples in microgravity, is configurable for space biology and space physics investigations, and can be launched to the International Space Station and returned to Earth inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft for further processing and analysis.

iss070e026216 (Nov. 17, 2023) --- ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut and Expedition 70 Commander Andreas Mogensen operates a microscope inside the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module. He was capturing imagery of brain cell-like samples for the Cerebral Ageing space biology study that is exploring the degenerative processes of brain cells. Results may provide insights into accelerated ageing symptoms seen in space and neurodegenerative diseases experienced on Earth.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) technicians inspect the wiring on the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). The JEM, developed by JAXA for use on the International Space Station, is named Kibo -- which means "hope" in Japanese -- and will enhance the unique research capabilities of the orbiting complex by providing an additional environment for astronauts to conduct science experiments. Research conducted in Kibo will focus on space medicine, biology, Earth observations, material production, biotechnology and communications. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

NASA’s Virtual Glovebox (VGX) was developed to allow astronauts on Earth to train for complex biology research tasks in space. The astronauts may reach into the virtual environment, naturally manipulating specimens, tools, equipment, and accessories in a simulated microgravity environment as they would do in space. Such virtual reality technology also provides engineers and space operations staff with rapid prototyping, planning, and human performance modeling capabilities. Other Earth based applications being explored for this technology include biomedical procedural training and training for disarming bio-terrorism weapons.

iss070e024806 (Nov. 14, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli processes cell samples for the Cell Gravisensing experiment aboard the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The space biology investigation is exploring how cells sense gravity and may lead to improved therapies treating conditions such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis both on Earth and in space.

iss070e027395 (Nov. 20, 2023) --- JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa turns off a microscope in the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module and removes samples for the Cell Gravisensing space biology study. The investigation is exploring how cells sense gravity and may lead to improved therapies treating conditions such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis both on Earth and in space.

iss070e024859 (Nov. 14, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Lora O'Hara treats brain cell-like samples inside the Kibo laboratory module's Life Science Glovebox aboard the International Space Station. She was processing the samples for the Cerebral Ageing space biology study that is exploring the degenerative processes of brain cells. Results may provide insights into accelerated ageing symptoms seen in space and neurodegenerative diseases experienced on Earth.

Brad McLain for the Space Biology Museum Network spins a volunteer in a rotating chair to illustrate how dependent the human vestibular system is on visual cues. The volunteer's thumbs indicate which way she thinks she is turning. Similar tests are conducted on astronauts to study how they adapt to space and readapt to Earth. The activity was part of the Space Research and You education event held by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research on June 25, 2002, in Arlington, VA, to highlight the research that will be conducted on STS-107.

iss072e146319 (Nov. 6, 2024) --- Expedition 72 Flight Engineers (from left) Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore, both NASA astronauts, partner together inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module on space biology research. Hague was exploring the potential of biomanufacturing using microorganisms and cell cutlures to create food, medicine, and more in the microgravity environment reducing the need for cargo missions launched from Earth and promoting crew self-sufficiency during long-term missions.

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is seen during an interview, Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Whitson spent 288 days onboard the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 50, 51, and 52, conducting four spacewalks and contributing to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science during her stay. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson tapes a segment for STEM in 30 with Marty Kelsey, left, and Beth Wilson, Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Whitson spent 288 days onboard the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 50, 51, and 52, conducting four spacewalks and contributing to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science during her stay. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

A Virginia student wears gloves inside a water tank to simulate the awkward feel and dexterity that astronauts experience when working in spacesuits. He is directed by Brad McLain for the Space Biology Museum Network. The activity was part of the Space Research and You education event held by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research on June 25, 2002, in Arlington, VA, to highlight the research that will be conducted on STS-107.

iss072e310952 (Dec. 3, 2024) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Don Pettit processes bacteria samples in the Kibo laboratory module's Life Science Glove to understand why some pathogens are more potent in the microgravity environment. Those samples were also packed inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft for return and analysis back on Earth. The space biology investigation uses genetic analysis techniques to identify the antibiotic resistant organisms and help researchers protect crew health on long-term space missions.

iss070e037585 (Dec. 11, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 70 Flught Engineer Loral O'Hara shows off research hardware supporting the UMAMI, or Understanding of Microgravity on Animal-Microbe Interaction, space biology experiment. O'Hara is holdng the Avanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP) Fluid Processing Cassette (FPC) that supports the observation of the effects of spaceflight on the molecular and chemical interactions between beneficial microbes and their animal hosts.

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is seen during an interview, Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Whitson spent 288 days onboard the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 50, 51, and 52, conducting four spacewalks and contributing to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science during her stay. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)