Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32241: SASHA: Investigating Stem Cell Aging in Space

As we plan for longer space missions and deeper exploration, understanding how space affects the human body becomes crucial. The SASHA (Space Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging) experiment addresses one of the most fundamental aspects of human health: the aging of stem cells.

Led by Dr. Catriona Jamieson at UC-San Diego in collaboration with Axiom Space, SASHA focuses on hematopoietic stem cells—the cells responsible for producing all other blood cells. These stem cells are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and the unique stresses of space (like microgravity and radiation) may accelerate their aging process.

The experiment sends stem cells to the International Space Station, where they are exposed to the space environment for a set duration. Upon return to Earth, scientists analyze genetic, molecular, and epigenetic changes in these cells compared to control samples kept on Earth.

Understanding these changes is vital. If spaceflight accelerates stem cell aging, it could compromise astronauts’ immune systems and recovery capacity. Such findings would inform the development of countermeasures—ranging from medications to artificial gravity habitats—that protect long-term space travelers.

On Earth, insights from SASHA could revolutionize our understanding of aging and age-related diseases, contributing to better treatments for blood disorders, immune dysfunctions, and even cancer.

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