MeF1 Preflight Imagery

A BioCell filled with cultures of megakaryocytes (precursor cells which produce platelets) on the last day of the Experiment Verification Test. The International Space Station crew will harvest the cell cultures for microscopy, fixation, and sequencing. Megakaryocyte Flying-One (MeF1) investigates how environmental conditions affect development and function of platelets and megakaryocytes, cells found in bone marrow. Results could clarify the risks of changes in inflammation, immune responses, and clot formation in spaceflight and on the ground. Image courtesy of the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory.

jsc2024e043735 (4/23/2024) --- A BioCell filled with cultures of megakaryocytes (precursor cells which produce platelets) on the last day of the Experiment Verification Test. The International Space Station crew will harvest the cell cultures for microscopy, fixation, and sequencing. Megakaryocytes Orbiting in Outer Space and Near Earth: The MOON Study (Megakaryocyte Flying-One (MeF1)) investigates how environmental conditions affect development and function of platelets and megakaryocytes, cells found in bone marrow. Results could clarify the risks of changes in inflammation, immune responses, and clot formation in spaceflight and on the ground. Image courtesy of the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory.