In April 2026, NASA's Artemis II mission marked the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years, validating key systems for future deep space human exploration. As the agency prepares for sustained astronaut exploration of the Moon and eventually Mars, the International Space Station (ISS) has been busy throughout 2026 as a workspace for astronauts conducting scientific experiments supporting these missions.
Keeping Astronauts Healthy in Microgravity
Astronauts aboard the station lose on average between 1% and 1.5% of their bone density each month while in microgravity. Regular exercise can help counteract this loss, and the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), a compact system being tested on the ISS, supports various exercises and can simulate different gravity levels. This technology may lead to even more compact exercise equipment for exploration crews.
Average bone density loss for astronauts in microgravity.
The Intravenous Fluid Generation – Mini (IVGEN Mini) experiment evaluates producing intravenous fluids using the station's potable water supply. Commercially available IV fluids have a shelf life of only about 16 months, so successful demonstrations could help meet medical needs while reducing launch mass and volume.
Astronauts on the ISS collect biological samples, conduct medical exams, and perform scans to understand how bodies adapt to life in space. Past research shows weightlessness can disrupt normal blood flow, increasing risks such as blood clots. The Spaceflight Thrombosis and Risk Factors (Venous Haemostasis) experiment examines these changes to identify correlations and create preventative measures. Meanwhile, the CARDIOBREATH experiment uses the Bio-Monitor 'smart shirt' to track heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and activity during exercise, improving understanding of cardiovascular health in microgravity.
Prolonged isolation can impact sleep, morale, and decision-making. The RelaxPro experiment evaluates non-invasive practices such as meditation to develop a structured system to reduce stress and improve sleep on future missions.
Advancing Technology for Deep Space
The Test facility for lab-aUtomation System in Kibo (TUSK) investigates how microgravity affects delicate robotic operations, insights that could improve future automated systems. For radiation monitoring, the Fiber-optic Active Dosimeter (Lumina) uses optical fibers that darken when exposed, addressing a key challenge for deep space exploration.
Many spacecraft use cryogenic fuels that must remain cold; temperature fluctuations can cause them to evaporate. The Zero Boil-Off Tank Noncondensables (ZBOT-NC) investigation evaluates how non-liquefying gases affect pressure control and evaporation, data that will help design more efficient fuel storage. The Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS) survey uses DNA sequencing to identify antibiotic-resistant organisms, advancing onsite diagnostic capabilities.
Research aboard the ISS, coupled with Artemis and Moon Base programs, supports NASA's preparation for sustained astronaut exploration of the Moon and eventually Mars. Artemis II marked a major milestone for humanity's return to the lunar surface, and astronauts on the station are testing technologies, studying how the human body adapts to long-duration spaceflight, and conducting experiments to ensure crews can live and work safely in deep space.
