Humans In Space

Humans In Space Insights

Why Microgravity is a Unique Laboratory for Human Physiology

2026-05-07
<p> </p><figure class='media'><oembed url='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mkK3jEQjCq0?feature=share'></oembed></figure><p><span class='text-huge'><strong>Fathi Karouia on Microgravity, Physiological Research, and Clinical Development in Space </strong></span></p><p>As human spaceflight moves toward longer-duration missions, understanding life sciences in extreme environments is essential for both exploration and terrestrial health. For <strong>Fathi Karouia</strong>, this challenge involves bridging the gap between spaceflight experiments and the development of medical products. With 25 years of experience in space life sciences and implementing experiments on the International Space Station (ISS), Karouia currently serves as the In-Space Commercialization Lead at <strong>BioServe Space Technology</strong> and a Senior Research Scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center.</p><p> </p><p><span class='text-big'><strong>Microgravity as a Tool for Human Physiology</strong></span></p><p>Karouia views the space environment, particularly microgravity, as a unique set of attributes that can be leveraged to better understand human health. Because microgravity effectively recreates aspects of overall human physiology, it provides a platform to test and validate medical innovations that address challenges both in orbit and on Earth.</p><blockquote><p><strong>“Microgravity brings an interesting set of attributes... it better recreates the overall human physiology and as such you can test and validate the type of innovation that you are interested in.”</strong></p></blockquote><p> </p><p>This environment is currently being utilized for advancements in regenerative medicine and therapeutic development:</p><ul><li><strong>Bioprinting</strong>: There is a significant push toward printing tissues and organs in space to benefit communities on Earth.</li><li><strong>Stem Cell Expansion</strong>: Karouia is involved in building a new facility to expand hematopoietic stem cells in microgravity, which could be used to treat blood cancer on Earth.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span class='text-big'><strong>Biological Insights from the Space Environment</strong></span></p><p>Recent findings from the <strong>Space Orbits Medical Atlas (SOMA)</strong> package, on which Karouia served as a senior author, have highlighted how space exposure impacts biological processes. These studies utilize animal models and samples from both private and agency-led astronaut missions to identify biomarkers of health and disease.</p><blockquote><p><i><strong>“By looking at specific biomarkers related to aging, we were able to find those types of phenomena and processes... it seems that by being exposed to space, [it] accelerate[s] aging and accelerate[s] disease processes.”</strong></i></p></blockquote><p> </p><p>Research has also identified significant impacts on kidney physiology, including an increased risk of stone formation. Furthermore, data shows that exposure to higher levels of radiation causes significant physiological damage, a factor that is critical for long-duration missions to Mars. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span class='text-big'><strong>Streamlining Space Innovation through Humans In Space</strong></span></p><p>Karouia identifies the <strong>Humans In Space (HIS)</strong> Challenge as a unique initiative at the forefront of space-related research and innovation. Unlike traditional agency-led programs, this global initiative involves diverse stakeholders and is led by the pharmaceutical company Boryung to stimulate healthcare development.</p><p>A primary benefit of the program is its ability to facilitate access to space platforms like the ISS, which has historically been difficult to navigate. By streamlining this process, HIS allows researchers and startups to test and validate ideas in a more efficient manner.</p><blockquote><p><strong>“Humans in Space will help streamline the process and therefore you can in some way in real time be able to test and validate your idea... going from an idea on a piece of paper to products that could help humankind here on the ground.”</strong></p></blockquote>
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