NASA Astronaut Jessica Watkins Conducts Cell Research in Space Station Glovebox
Watkins mixes living cells with bioink inside the Kibo module's Life Science Glovebox during Expedition 75.
NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, serving as a flight engineer for Expedition 75, has been working inside the Kibo laboratory module on the International Space Station. Her task involves using the Life Science Glovebox, a sealed workspace designed for handling biological materials safely in microgravity.
Inside the glovebox, Watkins mixes living cell samples with a bioink. The combination is then used to fill a special cartridge. The work supports research into how cells behave in space, which could inform medical and biological studies.
The Kibo module, contributed by Japan, provides a dedicated environment for such experiments. Watkins' role as a flight engineer includes conducting scientific operations alongside other station duties.
Source: NASA