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Station Research News

The latest news on scientific research, crew activities, and milestones on the space station. 

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NASA, Partners to Conduct Space Station Research During Expedition 73

NASA astronauts are gearing up for a scientific mission aboard the International Space Station. Expedition 73 NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov will launch in March as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim will join the crew when he launches aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft in April alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky.

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The official portrait of the International Space Station's seven-member Expedition 73 crew from three different space agencies. Seated in the front row from left, are NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain. In the back row from left are, Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov; NASA astronaut Jonny Kim; Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky; and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi.
Seated in the front row from left, are NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain. In the back row from left are, Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov; NASA astronaut Jonny Kim; Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky; and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
Josh Valcarcel – NASA – John

Science in Space: March 2025

3D Printing: Saving Weight and Space at Launch

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is regularly used on the ground to quickly produce a variety of devices. Adapting this process for space could let crew members create tools and parts for maintenance and repair of equipment on the spot, rather than trying to bring along every item that might be needed.
The ability to manufacture things in space is especially important in planning for missions to the Moon and Mars because additional supplies cannot quickly be sent from Earth and cargo capacity is limited.
Research on the International Space Station is helping to develop the capability to address multiple needs using 3D printing.

Learn More about 3D Printing: Saving Weight and Space at Launch
A space station crew member holds the first metal part that was 3D printed in space.
The first metal part 3D printed in space.
ESA

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Scientific Mission on Space Station Concludes

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with agency astronauts Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov is preparing to return to Earth following their science mission aboard the International Space Station. Hague, Williams, and Wilmore completed more than 900 hours of research between over 150 unique scientific experiments and technology demonstrations during their stay aboard the orbiting laboratory.

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The four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, including NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, pose for a photo aboard the International Space Station
The four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, including NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, pose for a photo aboard the International Space Station
NASA

NASA Space Station Research Helps Power Moon Science

The International Space Station supports a wide range of scientific activities from looking out at our universe to breakthroughs in medical research, and is an active proving ground for technology for future Moon exploration missions and beyond. Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission-1 landed on the Moon on March 2, 2025, kicking off science and technology operations on the surface, including three experiments either tested on or enabled by space station research.

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Side-by-side image featuring space telescopes NICER and LEXI. On the left, the NICER telescope is mounted on the International Space Station, with its array of X-ray detectors. Space station solar panels are seen in the background. On the right, an artist's rendering shows the LEXI telescope mounted on Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander, which is covered in gold-colored insulation and situated on the Moon's surface under the stars.
NICER (left) is shown mounted to the International Space Station, and LEXI (right) is shown attached to the top of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost in an artist’s rendering.
NASA/Firefly Aerospace

Science in Orbit: Results Published on Space Station Research in 2024

NASA and its international partners have hosted research experiments and fostered collaboration aboard the International Space Station for over 25 years. More than 4,000 investigations have been conducted, resulting in over 4,400 research publications with 361 in 2024 alone. Space station research continues to advance technology on Earth and prepare for future space exploration missions. Find a selection of scientific results that were published over the past year.

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Text reads "Annual Highlight of Results 2024" in black on a gray background.
The Annual Highlight of Results showcase groundbreaking results contributed by all partner agencies of the International Space Station.

Station Research Features and Articles

3D Printing: Saving Weight and Space at Launch
4 min read

Science in Space March 2025 Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is regularly used on the ground to quickly…

Article
NASA Space Station Research Helps Power Moon Science
3 min read

The International Space Station supports a wide range of scientific activities from looking out at our universe to breakthroughs in…

Image Article
NASA Continues BioNutrients Space-Fermented Food Research
2 min read

NASA’s BioNutrients series of experiments is testing ways to use microorganisms to make nutrients that will be needed for human…

Article