NASA astronauts conduct cancer, blood clotting research ahead of spacewalk

The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) continued scientific research on Wednesday focused on cancer treatment and blood clotting studies while also preparing for an upcoming spacewalk.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams worked on a cancer research experiment using fruit flies with pancreatic cancer genes inside the Japanese Kibo laboratory. The flies were treated with anti-cancer medicine and will later be returned to Earth for further study. Scientists hope the research will help develop better pancreatic cancer treatments for both space and Earth. 

Flight engineer Jessica Meir conducted another experiment studying how microgravity affects blood clotting and the immune system. She processed blood platelet samples inside the ‘Life Science Glovebox’ in the Kibo module. Researchers aim to understand how space conditions affect blood cells and help prevent excessive bleeding during missions.

NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway continued unpacking supplies from the recently arrived SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which delivered around 6,500 pounds of cargo to the station. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot worked on the Veg-06 plant experiment in the Columbus laboratory module. She watered and photographed alfalfa plants as scientists study plant growth and food production in space.

Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev prepared Orlan spacesuits and equipment for a spacewalk planned later this month. They also completed fitness tests using exercise equipment connected to heart monitoring sensors. Roscosmos flight engineer Andrey Fedyaev assisted with spacesuit preparations and maintenance work inside the station’s Nauka and Poisk modules.

The cancer experiment and blood platelet study were both conducted inside the Kibo laboratory module, which is used for biological and medical research in microgravity. Scientists believe space conditions can provide new insights into human health and disease treatment.