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Mission II: Illuminators

The Illuminator's Class.
The 2024 Crew-2 focused on TWO key research objectives to organize and distribute arcane knowledge in pharmacology and genomic astronaut health. This mission and crew leveraged the foundations of Crew-1’s data and pharmacogenomics research, and was enhanced by broader genomics research in the commercial astronaut sector released in the SOMA Nature package.

Mission II:

Illuminating Space Medicine & Advancing Pharmacogenomics

In space, where even minor impairments can have significant consequences on mission success and astronaut safety, understanding these genetic interactions becomes even more critical. Mission II Project 1 focused on creating a database, cataloging drug/genotype interactions specific to spaceflight conditions, and guiding the selection of appropriate medications and dosages for each astronaut based on their genetic profile. This personalized approach not only enhances the efficacy of treatments but also minimizes the risk of adverse drug reactions, a paramount concern in the constrained and remote environment of space missions.

GENOMICS PROTOCOL ATLAS

Mission II Project 2

Scientific Standardization: Protocols for advanced genomic study are scattered in supplemental files and methodology sections of research papers, and lack step-by-step instructions that can be quickly ported across laboratories in academia and the commercial sector. 

Whole Genome Sequencing: This technique is utilized for identifying the specific gene sequences (A,C,G,T)  required for pharmacogenomic profiling, which in turn aids in making precise in-flight drug recommendations.

Clonal Hematopoiesis Assay: This involves detecting mutations in immune cells that may be induced by space radiation, helping in monitoring and managing radiation-induced health risks.

Direct RNA-Sequencing using Oxford Nanopore’s Sequencer: This advanced method enables comprehensive profiling of gene expression, splice isoform variations, and RNA modifications, providing detailed insights into cellular responses under spaceflight and drug dosage conditions. Notably, it is the only sequencer that is approved for use on the International Space Station. 

Crew-2 Illumination Deliverables

  • Comprehensive Publication on Gene-Drug Interactions

    This publication set to be released in 2025 will include a detailed list of genes that influence drug dosage recommendations, encompassing a spectrum of genotypes associated with each gene and the consequent variations in drug dosage protocols.

  • Gene-Drug Interaction Quick Reference Table

    This deliverable serves to advance the ORBIT program within the larger scope of BioAstra specifically designed to provide the commercial spaceflight community with an efficient lookup tool for understanding gene-drug interactions.

  • Comprehensive Step-by-Step Protocols on Protocols.io

    These protocols will be meticulously compiled and uploaded to protocols.io, ensuring they are readily accessible to both the scientific and commercial spaceflight communities.

Shedding Light on Space Medicine

Mission II – The Illuminator’s Class advanced the frontier of space medicine by establishing critical pharmacogenomic databases and genomic protocols, ensuring future astronauts receive precise, personalized medical care tailored to the unique challenges of spaceflight.

Crew-2 Research Fellows

  • Annie Lynch

  • Borja Barbero

  • Jaume Puig

  • Marina Stegmann

  • Matthew Chung

  • Brittney Lozzi

  • Hoangvi Le

  • Devon Lundine

  • Bijan Harandi

  • Neha Suresh

  • Samantha Ali

  • Taylor Pourtaheri

  • Tejasvi Shivakumar

Join the Mission

BioAstra is more than a research initiative—it’s a movement to transform healthcare through space-driven innovation.
Whether you’re a scientist, an investor, or a visionary, your collaboration can help shape the future of medicine for space and Earth.

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