The FMBA has proposed a series of space experiments aboard the Russian Orbital Station. The tasks include studying the effects of radiation on drug efficacy and evaluating the preservation of therapeutic stem cell properties after freezing for potential use in cosmonauts. Four proposed projects have already been included in the work plan for the new Russian orbital complex, the agency’s press service told TASS.
Leading subordinate organisations have initiated several targeted studies, coordinated by the FMBA’s Centre for Space Medicine and Biology, the agency said. The experiments are aimed at investigating the effects of spaceflight factors on various biological objects.
Other proposed projects include studying changes in human organ systems, improving methods for studying cosmic radiation, developing surface decontamination measures for instruments, and investigating the effects of radiation and microgravity on gene activity modulation.
The FMBA has been conducting orbital experiments for many years. For example, agency scientists studied heat shock protein on the ISS – its crystals were grown in microgravity to develop an anti‑tumour drug that strips the protective coating from malignant cells, allowing the immune system to destroy them. The experiment was deemed successful, and the agency planned to continue research on specialised spacecraft.
In autumn 2025, a 30‑day flight of the Bion‑M No. 2 research satellite took place, on board which biomedical experiments continued. The space‑derived data helped scientists model the molecular structure more precisely. By early 2026, the development had moved into active clinical trials, in which FMBA specialists expect to confirm the drug’s safety and document stabilisation of tumour progression in patients with severe cancer.
Similar initiatives are also gaining momentum globally. SpaceX’s Starfall programme, aimed at manufacturing pharmaceutical components and high‑precision drugs in microgravity, has entered its demonstration phase. On 23 June, the company conducted the first launch of a reusable return capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket. In the future, the project could bring space‑manufactured products to market.
