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Benefits of ISS Research

    Almost as soon as the ISS was habitable, it was used to study the impact of microgravity and other space effects on several aspects of our daily lives. ISS astronauts conduct science daily across a wide variety of fields, including human life sciences, biological science, human physiology, physical and materials science, and Earth and space science. Over 400 experiments have been conducted on the ISS as so far, over 9 years of continuous research. Upon the completion of ISS assembly in 2010, ISS laboratories are expected to accommodate an unprecedented amount of space-based research. Click here for a complete list of experiments aboard the International Space Station

    Scientists from all over the world are already using ISS facilities, putting their talents to work in almost all areas of science and technology, and sharing this knowledge to make life on Earth better for people of all nations. We may not yet know what will be the most important knowledge gained from ISS, but we do know that there are some amazing discoveries on the way! Several recent patents and partnerships have already demonstrated Earth benefits of the public’s investment in ISS research. Early research accomplishments, such as those identified here, give us hints about the value of a fully utilized ISS after assembly is complete.

ISS Research

  • ADVASC experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Air Purification

    A novel air scrubber developed for a space flight plant growth chamber is now in widespread use on Earth for food preservation, doctors’ office, homes and office, killing 98% of airborne pathogens that pass through it.

  • CFE experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Fluid Flow Models

    Capillary flow experiments on ISS produced the first space-validated models describing fluid behavior, and may lead to models predicting fluid flows such as groundwater and high performance wicks used in electronics cooling.

  • JAXA-GCF experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy

    Large, high quality crystals of the HQL-79 protein were grown on ISS, allowing researchers to more accurately determine its 3-dimensional structure and develop a more potent form. This protein is part of a candidate treatment for inhibiting the effects of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

  • MISSE experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Durability of Materials

    Studies of how different materials withstand the harsh space environment provide a better understanding of their durability, with important applications to future spacecraft design. The Naval Research Laboratory and Boeing have used the ISS materials test bed to shorten development time for satellite hardware components by as much as 50 percent.

  • Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Planetary Contamination Monitoring

    A handheld device used for rapid detection of biological and chemical substances on surfaces on ISS has the potential to monitor the spread of Earth-derived biological material on lunar and planetary surfaces after landings.

  • ADUM experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Ultrasound from a Distance

    Ultrasound training methods developed for space flight have been used by the American College of Surgeons to teach ultrasound to surgeons, and could be adapted for diagnosis of injuries and illnesses in remote locations on Earth, including rural areas, disaster areas and the battlefield.

  • PFMS experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Cancer Treatment Delivery

    The microgravity environment on ISS led the way for better methods of micro-encapsulation on Earth, which is a process of forming micro-balloons containing various drug solutions, providing better drug delivery for several diseases including cancer and diabetes.

  • NLPV2 experiment aboard the International Space Station

    Vaccine Development

    Studies of Salmonella bacteria on ISS have identified the controlling gene responsible for its increased virulence in microgravity, resulting in the discovery of a candidate vaccine. Salmonella is one of the most common forms of food poisoning and a major cause of childhood death worldwide.

More About Space Station Research

  • Just for Researchers

    Space Station
    for Researchers

    Discover how NASA partners with industry, academia and federal, state, regional and local entities for research and development.

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  • Space Station
    for Kids

    Are you a student interested in some of the cool experiments and activities related to space station science and technology? Visit us here.

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  • Space Station
    for Educators

    Are you an educator with ideas for projects or experiments that could be done on ISS? Interested in getting involved in ISS educational programs? Want useful media to explain microgravity concepts and activities? Visit us here.

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  • Station Research Benefits

    Several patents and applications have already demonstrated Earth benefits of the public's investment in ISS research.

    › Read More

Related ISS Research Resources