NASA highlights ISS experiments that pave the way for lunar and Martian missions
NASA outlined a series of International Space Station studies in 2026 aimed at supporting future Moon and Mars exploration.
In 2026, NASA used the International Space Station as a testbed for technologies and biomedical research that will underpin Artemis and subsequent deep-space missions. Astronauts are evaluating the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device, a space-saving treadmill that can mimic different gravity levels, and the IVGEN Mini system that creates intravenous fluids from onboard water. Robotic precision is being studied through the TUSK experiment, which looks at how microgravity affects delicate automated tasks.
Health studies include the Spaceflight Thrombosis and Risk Factors experiment on blood flow and the CARDIOBREATH project that monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing using a smart shirt. A meditation-based RelaxPro trial seeks to improve sleep and reduce stress, while hardware tests like the Lumina fiber-optic dosimeter and the Zero Boil-Off Tank Noncondensables investigation address radiation safety and fuel efficiency for future spacecraft.
Why it matters
These ISS experiments reduce risks and improve systems for the next generation of crewed lunar and Martian voyages.
In this story