The International Space Station (ISS) remains a vital hub for space research in 2026. Astronauts are conducting scientific experiments and testing advanced technologies that support NASA’s plans for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
NASA’s Artemis II mission in April marked the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years and represented a major milestone in humanity’s return to the lunar surface. Although the mission validated critical systems for deep-space exploration, research aboard the International Space Station continues to advance those objectives. Astronauts are testing new technologies, studying how the human body responds to long-duration spaceflight, and developing methods to help crews live and work safely beyond low Earth orbit. Together with Artemis and Moon Base programs, ISS research is helping NASA prepare for sustained exploration of the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station test and refine innovative technologies designed to support future exploration missions, reduce equipment requirements, and improve systems before they are deployed beyond low Earth orbit.
Exercise equipment is essential for maintaining astronaut health during long-duration spaceflight. In microgravity, astronauts can lose approximately 1% to 1.5% of their bone density each month, increasing the risk of fractures and other bone-related problems. Regular exercise helps counteract these effects. The European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) is a compact, versatile system being tested aboard the ISS for future exploration crews. It supports multiple types of exercise, can simulate different gravity levels, and could lead to smaller, more efficient workout systems for missions to the Moon and Mars.
During deep-space missions, astronauts may require medical treatment while being too far from Earth to receive replacement supplies or equipment. To prepare for this challenge, researchers are testing medical technologies aboard the space station. The Intravenous Fluid Generation – Mini (IVGEN Mini) investigation examines whether intravenous (IV) fluids can be produced using the station’s potable water supply. Commercially available IV fluids have a shelf life of approximately 16 months. If successful, this technology could help meet medical needs in deep space while reducing launch mass and storage volume.
Medical care is only one challenge crews may face during future exploration missions. Astronauts will also have limited time to complete tasks that require human intervention. Robotic systems, including the Test facility for lab-aUtomation System in Kibo (TUSK), could help address these demands. This investigation studies how microgravity affects delicate robotic operations that depend on highly precise movements. The results may improve the design of automated systems capable of performing tasks independently, allowing astronauts to focus on higher-priority activities.
Astronauts also serve as important research participants. They collect biological samples, complete medical examinations, and undergo scans to help scientists understand how the human body adapts to life in space. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of spaceflight and supports strategies for protecting crew health as missions travel farther into the solar system.
Previous research has shown that weightlessness can disrupt normal blood flow, potentially increasing the risk of conditions such as blood clots. The Spaceflight Thrombosis and Risk Factors (Venous Haemostasis) experiment examines changes in blood circulation to identify physiological risk factors and develop preventive measures for vulnerable crew members.
Spaceflight can also affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, potentially influencing blood pressure regulation. The Causal Analysis of Cardiorespiratory Coupling on the ISS (CARDIOBREATH) investigation uses the Bio-Monitor “smart shirt” to track heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and physical activity during exercise sessions aboard the orbiting laboratory. The findings will improve scientists’ understanding of cardiovascular health in microgravity and help inform treatments for cardiorespiratory risks during and after long-duration missions.
Maintaining mental health in space is just as important as protecting physical health. Extended isolation and confinement can affect sleep, morale, concentration, and decision-making. The Mind/Body Practices for Deep Space Exploration (RelaxPro) experiment evaluates non-invasive techniques, including meditation, to develop structured methods for reducing stress and improving sleep during future exploration missions.
Spacecraft are essential to deep-space exploration because they provide shelter from the harsh space environment, as well as oxygen, water, and other life-support systems. Testing spacecraft technologies aboard the International Space Station allows researchers to refine systems for the next generation of vehicles traveling beyond low Earth orbit.
The Fiber-optic Active Dosimeter (Lumina) investigation demonstrates real-time radiation monitoring using optical fibers that darken when exposed to radiation. Measuring ionizing radiation is essential for protecting astronauts and remains one of the most significant challenges facing future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Many spacecraft rely on cryogenic, or extremely cold, fuels for propulsion. These fuels must remain cold to stay in liquid form. However, temperature fluctuations can cause the fuel to gradually evaporate and escape from storage tanks, reducing efficiency. The Zero Boil-Off Tank Noncondensables (ZBOT-NC) investigation examines how gases that do not liquefy at low temperatures affect pressure control, evaporation, and condensation inside propellant tanks. The data will help validate computer models and support the development of more efficient cryogenic fuel-storage systems.
Because spacecraft serve as astronauts’ living environments, they must also be monitored for microbial activity. The Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS) investigation surveys the International Space Station for antibiotic-resistant organisms to determine how bacteria may adapt to spaceflight. Using DNA sequencing, the study is advancing onboard identification and diagnostic capabilities that could be critical during future missions far from Earth.
International Space Station research continues throughout the remainder of 2026, supporting NASA’s preparations for human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and deep space. To learn more about ongoing experiments and discoveries aboard the ISS, visit:
NASA.gov/ISS-Research
Source: www.nasa.gov