The crew aboard the International Space Station has begun producing a probiotic from dry ingredients. This development is reported by Dmitry Petelin, a cosmonaut and special correspondent for TASS aboard the station.
Life in zero gravity presents a range of health challenges. Muscles lose mass, the eyes can undergo shape changes, bones lose calcium, and metabolism can falter, sometimes resulting in dysbiosis. In response, the ISS team is testing a probiotic formulation to counter these issues and support crew health during long stays in space. [Source: TASS]
The experimental procedure started toward the end of February after the Soyuz MS-23 mission delivered a container holding two separate cartons: one with a dry probiotic mix and a nutrient solution, and the other with water. The dust-like solids were then exposed to background radiation and reduced gravity conditions. In a sealed glove box, the dry probiotic solution will be combined with water to transition into a liquid form for use by crew members. This step, described by Petelin, marks a key move toward usable spaceflight microbiome support. [Source: TASS]
Researchers expect that, if successful, these probiotic blends could form a basis for protective health measures on future deep-space missions, helping astronauts maintain digestive balance, immune function, and overall well‑being during extended expeditions. [Source: TASS]
Earlier zoological research notes pointed to the idea that certain responses to unfamiliar animal relatives may differ across species, highlighting the broader importance of understanding how living systems adapt in new environments. While these insights are distinct from the current probiotic work, they underscore the ongoing quest to keep complex biological systems stable under challenging conditions. [Source: TASS]