Latest news with #microgravity
Medscape
26-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Why Funding Space Medicine Matters More Than Ever
Shreenik Kundu, MBBS, MSc When NASA astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore launched in June 2024, they expected to spend just over a week in space. Instead, due to technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, they remained aboard the International Space Station for more than 286 days. Though the duo rejected the term 'stranded,' the world watched their unplanned odyssey with awe. Their mission took place during a pivotal moment in space exploration, as both national agencies and, recently, private companies expanded access to orbit. This growing reach brings an urgent reminder: Our ability to care for humans in space must evolve alongside our ambition to send them there. The health challenges faced during their extended stay reveal why understanding and investing in aerospace medicine is essential, not just for astronauts, but also for the future of healthcare on Earth. Long-duration spaceflight pushes human physiology to its limits. Floating in microgravity, astronauts experience bodily changes that read like an accelerated aging process. Deprived of gravity's pull, bones lose mineral density at a rate of 1%-1.5% per month and muscles atrophy from disuse despite vigorous exercise. Fluids shift upward toward the head, sometimes impairing vision and brain structure, a condition scientists call SANS (spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome). The heart, no longer working against gravity, can weaken, and the immune system can become less effective, leaving crew members more susceptible to infections. Even the psyche is tested by isolation and confinement. Yet Williams and Wilmore returned in good health after 9 months, a testament to careful medical monitoring and the strides aerospace medicine has made. It is also a warning: Missions can last far longer than planned, so space agencies must be prepared to keep astronauts healthy in unpredictable circumstances. In this case, NASA improvised by integrating the pair into the Station's normal crew rotation, ensuring they had access to nutrition, exercise, and medical care until a SpaceX capsule brought them home safely. Such adaptability in extreme conditions is only possible because of decades of research into how the human body copes with space; research that is yielding dividends for healthcare here on Earth. Space Tech in Earthly Healthcare Consider how technology developed for astronauts could find its way into your hospital or home. When Williams and Wilmore were 'stuck' in orbit, doctors on the ground guided them through ultrasounds using remote telemedicine tools, the same approach now used to deliver prenatal care and emergency ultrasounds in rural communities with no resident physician. The biosensors in an astronaut's suit that track heart rate, temperature, and hydration have inspired wearable devices for patients on Earth. In fact, NASA's need to monitor crew health remotely led to an AI-powered system that now lets clinicians track heart failure patients at home and intervene early. These are not isolated examples. Spaceflight's harsh realities, limited resources, no immediate evacuation, delayed communication, forced innovations like compact medical devices, telemedicine protocols, and autonomous health support have relevant parallels to low-resource settings back on Earth. Aerospace medicine's benefits mirror the story of Formula One racing and everyday cars. The extreme environment of F1 with high speeds and high stakes is a proving ground for safety and engineering breakthroughs, from advanced braking systems to fuel efficiency, which eventually make their way into the sedans and SUVs we drive. Space is a similar testbed for healthcare. Treating osteoporosis takes on new urgency when a crew's bones are thinning in microgravity. Solutions, like new bone-loss medications or exercise regimes developed for a Mars mission, could aid the 55-year-old on Earth with osteoporosis. The psychological support methods crafted for a lonely, stressed astronaut can improve mental healthcare for isolated communities or even future pandemic lockdowns. Innovations are not confined to physiology either. The Canadarm robot that maintained the Space Shuttle led to a robotic arm for delicate brain surgeries on Earth, and Mars rover engineering spurred telemedicine robots that perform remote ultrasound and surgery, bringing specialist care to remote villages. In short, investing in space health is not a zero-sum diversion from terrestrial medicine: It is a catalyst for it. Space Health in Policy Discussions Robert D. Glatter, MD The space race is also no longer the domain of national agencies alone. The recent successful crewed launch by Blue Origin marks a turning point; private companies are no longer just ferrying cargo but are now sending people into orbit. Space is becoming more accessible, drawing in not only researchers and astronauts, but also tourists and filmmakers. Yet, with this growing democratization of space comes a deeper responsibility: Health and safety must not be afterthoughts in the rush to explore. Artificial intelligence and even early-stage quantum computing are being harnessed to address the complex challenges of long-duration missions, from predicting health issues before they emerge to improving radiation shielding. These innovations signal that we are preparing to send humans farther and for longer. NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustained presence on the Moon, and a crewed mission to Mars is moving from science fiction to a near-future reality. But amid the excitement of shiny rockets and futuristic habitats lies a less glamorous truth: Without robust medical infrastructure, even the most ambitious missions may falter. It is one thing to send humans to Mars, it is quite another to keep them healthy during the journey and once they arrive. That is why making space health central to policy discussions is so urgent. We need our leaders to recognize that funding astronaut healthcare research benefits everyone, not just a few spacefarers. We need more initiatives, including fellowships, residencies, and training programs that prepare clinicians to practice medicine in extreme environments, both off-planet and in underserved communities on Earth. The 'stranded astronauts' story is an opportunity to push for greater investment in the medical systems that protect space explorers. This includes encouraging companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin to play a stronger role in advancing space health research and infrastructure. This could also mean increasing budgets for NASA's human research program (currently just a tiny fraction of overall space expenditures) and incentivizing public-private partnerships to translate space innovations into clinics worldwide with the help of companies like SpaceX. It also means incorporating the lessons of aerospace medicine into global health strategies: If we can deliver quality care to astronauts 400 km above Earth, we can surely improve care for isolated populations 400 km from the nearest city. Each medical puzzle we solve in space, like how to mend a broken bone or treat an infection without a full hospital, adds a piece to the puzzle of better healthcare on Earth. The line between an astronaut and the rest of us is thinner than we think. We should heed the call. Let us channel the same urgency and ambition that fuels rocket launches into supporting aerospace medicine. It is time for health policy to enter the final frontier, not as an afterthought but as a driving force. The next time astronauts are thrust into an unforeseen trial, we will be ready to care for them, and we will be better equipped to care for ourselves. It is up to us to ensure that support grows stronger, for astronauts and Earthlings alike, because the innovations that keep a person alive in space might just save your life down here tomorrow.
Geeky Gadgets
08-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Pharma's Next Frontier: Why Space is Key to Better Medicines
What if the next breakthrough in medicine didn't come from a lab on Earth, but from a capsule orbiting hundreds of miles above it? It's not science fiction—it's a bold reality being shaped by companies like Varda Space Industries. With the unique conditions of microgravity offering untapped opportunities for drug development, the pharmaceutical industry is beginning to look to the stars for its next frontier. In this conversation with Varda co-founder Will Bruey, we explore how space-based manufacturing could redefine the way medicines are created, potentially leading to treatments that are more effective, accessible, and fantastic than ever before. In this interview, Bruey provide more insights into the economic and scientific forces driving this off-planet revolution, from the innovative impact of reusable rockets to the unparalleled precision microgravity offers in pharmaceutical production. You'll discover why space isn't just a playground for exploration but a platform for industrial innovation, and how Varda is pioneering this shift with specialized capsules designed to manufacture drugs in orbit. Could this be the moment when space becomes not just a destination, but a critical partner in solving Earth's most pressing healthcare challenges? Pharma Innovation in Space Reusable Rockets: Transforming Access to Space The advent of reusable rocket technology has fundamentally changed the economics of space exploration and utilization. Companies like SpaceX have pioneered this innovation, drastically reducing the cost of launches and increasing their frequency. What was once a rare and prohibitively expensive endeavor has become a routine operation, akin to the regularity of commercial airline schedules. This newfound affordability has opened the door for ambitious ventures like Varda Space Industries, which envisions manufacturing pharmaceuticals in orbit. By reusing rockets, the cost of transporting materials and equipment to space has dropped significantly, making space-based production not only feasible but also economically viable. This technological leap has laid the foundation for a new era of industrial activity beyond Earth, with pharmaceuticals leading the charge. Microgravity: Unlocking New Possibilities in Drug Development Microgravity, a condition unique to space, offers unparalleled advantages for drug development and manufacturing. On Earth, gravity influences chemical reactions, crystallization processes, and molecular structures, often imposing limitations on the precision and quality of pharmaceutical products. In the microgravity environment of space, these constraints are significantly reduced, allowing the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with exceptional clarity, uniformity, and effectiveness. This environment also fosters the development of innovative drug formulations. For instance, intravenous (IV) medications, which require complex administration methods, could be reformulated into simpler injectable shots, improving accessibility for patients and healthcare providers. These advancements have the potential to enhance treatment options, address unmet medical needs, and improve patient outcomes. The ability to harness microgravity for pharmaceutical innovation represents a significant step forward in the quest to develop more effective and efficient medicines. Why the Future of Pharma is Off-Planet Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in space technology by exploring our other resources and articles. Varda Space Industries: Pioneering Space-Based Manufacturing Varda Space Industries is leading the charge in integrating aerospace technology with pharmaceutical innovation. The company has developed specialized space capsules equipped with advanced tools such as heaters and mixers to produce APIs in orbit. Once the manufacturing process is complete, these capsules return to Earth, delivering high-value pharmaceutical products that could outperform those made under terrestrial conditions. Building on years of research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Varda is scaling up these efforts into a viable commercial model. This approach not only demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing in space but also highlights its economic potential. By using the unique properties of microgravity, Varda aims to produce drugs that are more effective, efficient, and accessible, setting a new standard for pharmaceutical production. Economic and Practical Implications of Space-Based Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals are uniquely suited for space-based manufacturing due to their high value and the fantastic impact of microgravity on production processes. Varda's business model could create a self-sustaining cycle: as demand for space-manufactured drugs increases, the frequency of rocket launches will rise, further reducing costs and expanding access to space. This cycle of innovation and affordability has the potential to accelerate the commercialization of space, transforming it into a hub for industrial activity. The economic implications extend beyond pharmaceuticals. As the cost of accessing space continues to decline, other industries could also benefit from space-based manufacturing. For example, semiconductor and fiber optic production could achieve higher precision and quality in microgravity, unlocking new possibilities for technological advancement. This broader vision of space as a platform for industrial innovation underscores the fantastic potential of space-based manufacturing. Challenges and Opportunities on the Path Forward Despite its promise, space-based manufacturing faces significant challenges. Proving the concept and refining the economics of production are critical steps that companies like Varda must navigate. The costs and logistical complexities of operating in space remain substantial, and demonstrating that the benefits of microgravity outweigh these challenges is essential for long-term success. However, the opportunities are vast. Beyond pharmaceuticals, industries such as electronics, materials science, and advanced manufacturing could benefit from the unique conditions of space. These advancements have the potential to drive innovation across multiple sectors, further justifying investments in space-based manufacturing. As technology continues to evolve and costs decline, the vision of a thriving commercial space industry becomes increasingly attainable. From Exploration to Industrialization: A New Era in Space The transition from single-use rockets to reusable ones has marked a turning point in the history of space exploration. This innovation has transformed space from a domain of government-led exploration into a commercially viable sector. Companies like Varda are capitalizing on this shift, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space and paving the way for industrialization beyond Earth. As the cost of accessing space continues to decrease, the potential for industrial applications grows exponentially. This transition represents a new era where space is no longer just a destination for exploration but a platform for economic activity. By harnessing the unique properties of microgravity and using advancements in aerospace technology, the future of pharmaceuticals—and potentially many other industries—lies beyond Earth. Media Credit: Freethink Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Meds are getting cooked and tested in orbit, and an ASX stock is part of the action
Space could make drugs purer and better Varda brews HIV meds in orbit, lands in SA Trajan's technology tracks pill effects for astronauts Medicine in space. Sounds like something out of Star Trek or Dune, but this isn't sci-fi anymore. It's the next frontier for real-world healthcare. Forget Martian hospitals, what's really getting scientists and investors fired up is how outer space, specifically microgravity, could help us make better and more effective drugs. The core idea is simple: when you float, your molecules do, too. In space, the rules of physics play out differently; gravity's grip loosens and under microgravity conditions, drug ingredients can, in theory, form in purer, more perfect ways. That's a big deal because the way a drug crystal forms can affect how well it works, how long it lasts and how easily it's absorbed by your body. If you've ever sat in a hospital chair for hours waiting for a drip to finish, you'll get why pharmaceutical companies are pumped about the chance to make treatments that are faster to deliver. Cooking real meds in space Varda Space is taking that vision and strapping it to a rocket. This California startup isn't chasing satellites or space tourism, it's using orbit as a lab. Varda is building space capsules designed to act like mini drug labs in orbit, running experiments that test how medicine behaves when gravity lets go. The company is betting that by manufacturing drugs in microgravity, they'll land back on Earth stronger, purer, and more effective. It's space as a service, with pharma as the customer. Varda's first major breakthrough came with ritonavir, the HIV treatment; as well as key ingredient in Covid-19 antiviral Paxlovid, both manufactured inside its W-1 capsule. W-1 circled the planet, made its batch, and then returned to earth, proving this whole idea might just fly commercially. Australia on the map And here's where Australia comes into the picture. Varda's follow-up mission, with a new capsule named W-2, ended with a dramatic touchdown in South Australia in February, at the Koonibba Test Range. After six weeks orbiting Earth, W-2 came screaming back through the atmosphere. This mission was also a key test of advanced thermal protection systems, gathering critical data on how heat shields perform during high-speed reentry. That fiery landing marked a milestone for Aussie space infrastructure, too, as Koonibba positions itself as a serious player in global aerospace. Trajan's tech joins the cosmic pharmacy But there's another angle quietly orbiting this story, an Aussie company that's not making drugs in space, but testing how they work once they're up there. The company is Trajan Group (ASX:TRJ) – a life sciences outfit that makes precision tools –and it's playing a crucial role in figuring out how our bodies respond to medicine in microgravity. The company's brand Neoteryx donated its Mitra micro-sampling devices to a recent space mission called Polaris Dawn. The Polaris Dawn mission was part of a private spaceflight program backed by billionaire Jared Isaacman, and flown aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon. The study had astronauts self-collecting tiny blood samples after taking paracetamol in space. Three doses: one before takeoff, one mid-flight, and one back on solid ground. The goal is to figure out whether drugs behave differently when your body's floating in microgravity. Does it hit faster? Stay longer? Cause different side effects? And this isn't some clunky hospital kit. The Mitra device is sleek and portable, designed for people to collect blood from their finger or arm with minimal fuss. Perfect for space, where traditional lab setups are a no-go. The data from Polaris Dawn are currently being studied, and could lead to real breakthroughs in how we dose medication for future astronauts, or even patients on Earth with similar physical stressors. However, there's still a long road ahead. Space drug manufacturing and testing are still expensive, hard to scale, and wrapped in red tape. But while space tourism grabs the headlines, the real cosmic gold rush in the future might be in something far more useful: a smarter way to make and use medicine.
WIRED
06-05-2025
- Business
- WIRED
The Future of Manufacturing Might Be in Space
A host of new companies are making use of the lower costs of launching into space, coupled with emerging ways to return things to Earth, to reignite in-space manufacturing. Photograph: Bettmann/Getty Images Jessica Frick wants to build furnaces in space. Her company, California-based Astral Materials, is designing machines that can grow valuable materials in orbit that could be used in medicine, semiconductors, and more. Or, as she puts it, 'We're building a box that makes money in space.' Scientists have long suggested that the microgravity environment of Earth's orbit could enable the production of higher-quality products than it is possible to make on Earth. Astronauts experimented with crystals—a crucial component of electronic circuitry—as early as 1973, on NASA's Skylab space station. But progress was slow. For decades, in-space manufacturing has been experimental rather than commercial. That is all set to change. A host of new companies are making use of the lower costs of launching into space, coupled with emerging ways to return things to Earth, to reignite in-space manufacturing. The field is getting 'massively' busier, says Mike Curtis-Rouse, head of in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing at the UK-based research organization Satellite Applications Catapult. He adds that by 2035 'the anticipation is that the global space economy is going to be a multitrillion-dollar industry, of which in-space manufacturing is probably in the region of about $100 billion.' At its simplest, in-space manufacturing refers to anything made in space that can then be used on Earth or in space itself. The absence of gravity allows for unique manufacturing processes that cannot be replicated on Earth, thanks to the interesting physics of near-weightlessness. One such process is the growing of crystals, which play a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing. On Earth, engineers take a high-purity, small, silicon seed crystal and dip it into molten silicon to create a larger crystal of high-quality silicon that can be sliced into wafers and used in electronics. But the effect of gravity on the growth process can introduce impurities. 'Silicon now has an unsolvable problem,' says Joshua Western, CEO of UK company Space Forge. 'We basically can't get it any purer.' Growing these crystals in space could lead to more pure wafers, says Western: 'You can almost press the reset button on what we think is the limit of a semiconductor.' The applications of crystal growth are not just limited to semiconductors but could also lead to higher quality pharmaceuticals and other materials science breakthroughs. Other products made in space could be produced with similar benefits. In January, China announced it had made a groundbreaking new metal alloy on its Tiangong space station that was much lighter and stronger than comparable alloys on Earth. And the unique environment of low gravity can offer new possibilities in medical research. 'When you shut off gravity, you're able to fabricate something like an organ,' says Mike Gold, the president of civil and international space business at Redwire, a Florida-based company that has experimented with in-space manufacturing on the International Space Station for years. 'If you try to do this on Earth, it would be squished.' A key challenge for in-space manufacturing is how you actually get equipment to space and products back to Earth in a way that makes production at scale viable. But rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9 have dramatically reduced the cost of accessing space, while companies including Space Forge and the California firm Varda Space Industries are developing uncrewed capsules that could return materials to Earth. Varda has already flown two missions to demonstrate this capability, bringing capsules down for a landing in the Utah desert and Australian outback. On its first mission last year, the company successfully grew crystals of an antiviral drug called ritonavir. Eric Lasker, Varda's chief revenue officer, says the market potential and health benefits could be 'pretty dramatic' for products like this. 'It can really help people down here,' he says. As orbital manufacturing capabilities increase in the coming years, things could scale up rapidly. 'I envision manufacturing facilities in orbit will look like factories in space,' says Lasker. 'You're going to see ready-built stations or vehicles. It's very much not hard to see that future.' Still, that's the future. Right now, space manufacturing still 'seems like a novelty,' says Curtis-Rouse, but 'I think very rapidly, inside 10 years, it's going to be seen as business as usual.'
