The NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission is concluding, with the crew scheduled to return from the International Space Station in early October. The team includes NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
The crew conducted research on crystal growth for pharmaceuticals and quantum science using the Cold Atom Lab. Experiments also focused on bone regeneration using wood-based scaffolds, which could assist in treating osteoporosis, a condition affecting over 200 million people globally.
Scientific activities included studying soft materials for 3D printing and sequencing DNA to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The crew also tested a metal 3D printer and a system for producing intravenous fluids on demand to reduce reliance on resupply missions.
Additional research involved stem cell expansion for blood disease treatments and testing bone marrow cells under simulated exercise conditions. These studies aim to improve health outcomes on Earth and prepare humans for long-duration deep space exploration missions.
