Stem cells survive unexpectedly rough space travel

In early 2024, lab-grown neurospheres — clusters of neural stem cells — were sent to the ISS to study microgravity. Bad weather repeatedly delayed the return, leaving the cells outside controlled culture conditions longer than expected to survive, yet they survived.

• Neural stem cell neurospheres were sent to the ISS in early 2024
• The return trip was delayed by bad weather at the landing zone
• Cells stayed outside controlled conditions beyond the expected survival limit
• The stem cells survived the ordeal