Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31389: Space Meets Industry: Commercial Materials Testing in MISSE-12

The twelfth installment of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-12) highlights a new era in space research—commercial partnerships. Led by Alpha Space Test & Research Alliance, MISSE-12 provides companies with the opportunity to test materials in orbit.

Conducted during ISS Expeditions 61/62, MISSE-12-Commercial tested industrial materials under real space conditions. The mission’s aim was to collect valuable data on how commercial materials degrade or thrive when faced with the vacuum of space, cosmic radiation, and atomic oxygen.

By providing access to space-based testing, MISSE-12-Commercial reduces the risk for private companies developing new materials for aerospace, satellites, and other high-performance applications. For example, aerospace firms tested paints, seals, and adhesives. The results of these experiments help them optimize product design and predict lifecycle performance.

This initiative demonstrates the growing importance of commercial entities in space exploration. By leveraging the ISS as a testbed, Alpha Space enables innovation while also creating new revenue models in low-Earth orbit.

MISSE-12-Commercial is not just a science experiment—it's a business incubator in space. Its success showcases how public-private collaboration accelerates material science and supports the space economy.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

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.