NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins conducted 3D bioprinting experiments aboard the International Space Station, mixing living cells with bioink to produce cartilage tissue in microgravity.
01Summary
- 01Watkins worked inside the Kibo laboratory module's Life Science Glovebox on Oct. 9, 2026.
- 02She mixed living cell samples with a bioink and filled a special cartridge with the cell-ink mixture.
- 03The work was part of the InSPA-Auxilium Bioprinter-Cell Printing investigation.
- 04The investigation explores 3D bioprinting cartilage tissue in microgravity of higher quality than on Earth.
- 05Results may advance biomanufacturing of cartilage for patients on Earth and crew on long-duration missions.
02Why it matters
This research could lead to improved cartilage biomanufacturing, benefiting patients with joint injuries on Earth and supporting health care for astronauts on future long-duration spaceflights.
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