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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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Studying storms from Space Station

Scientists use instruments on the International Space Station to study phenomena in Earth’s ionosphere or upper atmosphere including thunderstorms, lightning, and transient luminous events (TLEs). TLEs take many forms, including blue jets, discharges that grow upward into the stratosphere from cloud tops, and colorful bursts of energy above storms called Stratospheric/Mesospheric Perturbations Resulting from Intense Thunderstorm Electrification or SPRITES.

Learn More about Studying storms from Space Station
An artist’s impression of a blue jet as observed from the International Space Station.
An artist’s impression of a blue jet as observed from the International Space Station.
Mount Visual/University of Bergen/DTU

NASA, ISRO Research Aboard Fourth Private Astronaut Mission to Station

NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are collaborating to launch scientific investigations aboard Axiom Mission 4, the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. These studies include examining muscle regeneration, growth of sprouts and edible microalgae, survival of tiny aquatic organisms, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity.

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The official crew portrait of the Axiom Mission-4 private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. From left are, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uzanański-Wiśniewksi from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
From left are, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uzanański-Wiśniewksi from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Axiom Space

Spacewalk Research and Technology

Crew members on the International Space Station periodically conduct spacewalks to perform a variety of tasks such as installing, upgrading, and repairing equipment.

Learn More about Spacewalk Research and Technology
NASA astronaut Anne McClain prepares spacesuits ahead of the May 2025 spacewalk.

Unearthly Plumbing Required for Plant Watering in Space

NASA is demonstrating new microgravity fluids technologies to enable advanced “no-moving-parts” plant-watering methods aboard spacecraft.

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Williams, wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt and glasses, looks at the camera and holds a large plastic syringe in both hands. In front of her is a worktable holding a large orange panel that has two clear chambers of red liquid and multiple connecting hoses. A camera mounted on the worktable faces the panel.
Microgravity affects how water and nutrients are delivered to plants. NASA astronaut Suni Williams works on the Plant Water Management 5/6 investigation, which studies the physical properties of fluids, such as surface tension, in space. Results could support design of systems for improved plant growth in reduced gravity.
NASA

Don Pettit Turns the Camera on Science

NASA astronaut Don Pettit is scheduled to return home in mid-April after a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station as part of Expedition 72. Throughout his stay, Pettit contributed to research that benefits humanity and future space missions.

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NASA astronaut Don Pettit takes an out-of-focus selfie facing the camera while floating through an International Space Station corridor. He is wearing glasses and a black t-shirt. The walls surrounding him are blurry and light yellow in color.
NASA astronaut Don Pettit takes an out-of-focus selfie facing the camera while floating through an International Space Station corridor.

Station Research Features and Articles

A Researcher’s Guide to: Microgravity Materials Research
2 min read

June 2025 Edition Most materials are formed from a partially or totally fluid sample, and the transport of heat and…

Article
Studying Storms from Space Station
3 min read

Science in Space June 2025 Scientists use instruments on the International Space Station to study phenomena in Earth’s ionosphere or…

Article
NASA Provides Hardware for Space Station DNA Repair Experiment 
2 min read

When it comes to helping NASA scientists better understand the effects of space travel on the human body, fruit flies…

Article