Abstract

Stem Cells in Low Earth Orbit: Prospects for Basic Science and Biomanufacturing

Arun Sharma, Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School

The International Space Station and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) can serve as an accessible, unique environment for stem cell research and development in microgravity. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and their derivatives can be grown long-term in LEO, with changes to cell function and gene expression. Stem cell biomanufacturing in LEO is being explored through commercial, governmental, and academic collaboration, although significant basic science data still needed to determine the full potential of growing stem cells in space.