Stem Cell Research in Space: From Experimental Culture to In-Space Biomanufacturing

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Stem cell research in space has progressed from feasibility demonstrations toward an increasingly mature translational platform supported by specialized flight hardware, standardized crew procedures, and growing access to Low Earth Orbit. This review examines the evolution of stem cell investigations onboard the International Space Station (ISS), with particular emphasis on BioServe-supported research and the transition from exploratory studies of microgravity effects toward workflows relevant to regenerative medicine and in-space biomanufacturing. We further examine the technological and operational developments that enabled this transition, including controlled incubation, carbon dioxide regulation, cell-culture hardware, imaging, centrifugation, cryopreservation, serial passaging, and semi-automated expansion systems. Recent Findings Spaceflight investigations have demonstrated successful culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC-derived differentiated cells and tissues. Beyond feasibility, studies have identified biologically meaningful changes in proliferation, differentiation, structure, function, and three-dimensional organization, while stem cell-derived tissues have increasingly been used to model disease, aging, and potential therapeutic responses. More recent investigations have extended these capabilities toward serial passaging, in-orbit dissociation, in-process characterization, and semi-automated expansion. Summary Stem cell research in space has moved from demonstrating feasibility to identifying biological effects that may be useful for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and manufacturing. Decades of development have established an orbital stem cell laboratory capable of increasingly complex culture, manipulation, characterization, and expansion workflows, while growing access to Low Earth Orbit supports iterative experimentation. The field has therefore progressed toward a translational phase in which the objective is to identify microgravity-associated phenotypes that are reproducible, clinically or commercially useful, and amenable to scale-up, automation, and process control. Ultimately, the value of space-based stem cell research will depend on translating specific biological and physical advantages of microgravity into improved therapies, disease models, or manufacturing processes that benefit life on Earth.