Biological and medical research in space

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Life Science studies in space began with the goal of understanding human survival under spaceflight conditions, including high accelerations, weightlessness, and radiation exposure. To investigate potential adverse effects, a variety of organisms—ranging from bacteria and plants to invertebrates, rodents, primates, and humans—were used in model experiments. Although no immediate life-threatening effects were identified, these studies laid the groundwork for future life science research in space. Many unexplained phenomena observed in these organisms were linked to weightlessness, but documentation was often inadequate, relying on anecdotal evidence. The launch of Skylab and later Spacelab shifted this perspective, allowing weightlessness to be explored as a valuable research tool for understanding fundamental biological processes influenced by gravity. This led to a reevaluation of existing models, as many experimental results contradicted established theories in biology and physiology. The past decade has focused on exploratory research, revealing new insights into the effects of microgravity on living organisms.