Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30900: Exploring DNA Repair in Space: The Story of Genes in Space-1

Genes in Space-1 marked a groundbreaking moment in educational space research by becoming the first student-designed DNA experiment to fly aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This innovative project, led by high school student Anna Sophia Boguraev and supported by expert scientists from MIT and Yale, aimed to analyze how spaceflight affects the ability of cells to repair damaged DNA—a key factor in maintaining astronaut health on long missions.

The experiment investigated whether DNA repair mechanisms in cells are altered by microgravity. In space, radiation levels are higher and gravitational forces are lower than on Earth. These conditions can cause increased DNA damage, so understanding how cells respond to and repair such damage in orbit is crucial for long-term human space exploration.

Using a miniPCR (polymerase chain reaction) device onboard the ISS, astronauts amplified specific DNA segments and observed how they behaved in microgravity. The success of the experiment proved that sophisticated molecular biology techniques could be conducted in orbit—paving the way for future DNA-based diagnostics and treatments in space.

In addition to its scientific impact, Genes in Space-1 was significant because it empowered students to participate in real-world space biology. The collaborative effort between NASA, Boeing, and educators inspired a new generation of space scientists and brought advanced research techniques into the classroom.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program to get hands-on with similar student-led space projects and make your own mark on space science.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.