Space Research for a Healthy Future: ISS Discoveries Transform Medicine on Earth

ASCEND 2026 Conference — A recent session at the ASCEND 2026 conference highlighted how microgravity research on the International Space Station (ISS) has contributed to medical treatments on Earth. Panelists included representatives from Cedars Sinai, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Key Research Initiatives

Cedars Sinai

Arun Sharma, founder of the Center for Space Medicine Research, led an experiment sending human stem cell-derived heart muscle cells to the ISS.

"Microgravity enables production of stem cell-derived products not feasible on Earth."
— Arun Sharma

The research aims to biomanufacture stem cell products in microgravity and develop automated systems for cell and gene therapies.

University of Pittsburgh

Former NASA astronaut Kate Rubins now directs the Trivedi Institute for Space and Global Biomedicine. The institute seeks to translate discoveries from astronaut health studies to terrestrial populations and adapt space-based monitoring tools for remote clinics, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"Space-derived technology suits low-resource environments."
— Kate Rubins

Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Kenneth Mayuga founded the Space Health Center, which applies astronaut exercise therapy to patients with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Notably, the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) benefited from NASA's fluid dynamics expertise. Dr. Mayuga also noted that ISS partnerships have facilitated a space medicine course at Cleveland Clinic.

"ISS partnerships have facilitated a space medicine course at Cleveland Clinic."
— Dr. Kenneth Mayuga

Expert Perspectives

Michael Roberts, chief scientist of the ISS National Lab, emphasized the station's role in innovation:

"The ISS helps de-risk new technology platforms."
— Michael Roberts

Background & Outlook

The ISS has been operational for 26 years, with funding secured through at least 2030. Panelists agreed that building infrastructure and formal training pathways is the next priority for advancing space-based biomedical research and translating it to Earth-based healthcare.