Can Space Laboratories Help Solve Knee and Heart Problems?
Space might hold the key to solving some of humanity’s most persistent health challenges—such as knee problems, which are now affecting even younger generations.
At the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, experts explored the astonishing frontiers of medical science, highlighting the use of space as a laboratory for regenerative medicine.
They emphasized how the International Space Station (ISS) is not only a hub for astronauts and scientific experiments but also an emerging beacon of hope for advancements in tissue engineering.
The creation of meniscus tissue, essential for knee joint repair, and living cardiovascular tissue, vital for heart health, are currently part of ongoing research in space. These breakthroughs have the potential to revolutionize medical science and provide new treatments for other age-related health problems.
Mike Gold, Chief Growth Officer at Redwire Space, stated, “I believe we are at a pivotal moment in the development of space where the gravity of spaceflight, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals are converging in ways that will transform these fields.”
He added, “We have created the first meniscus in space, at the International Space Station. We built something called the BioFabrication Facility (BFF) aimed at creating human tissue in space. Additionally, we 3D-printed living cardiovascular tissue on the ISS and successfully brought it back to Earth. This capability puts us in a new position to treat patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.”
