Lexington, KY, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Space Tango, based in Lexington, KY, is pioneering microgravity research to enhance astronaut health for extended space missions. With nearly 300 experiments conducted aboard the ISS, their latest focus is the AVATAR study, part of the Artemis II mission, which will investigate microgravity’s effects on astronaut tissue. This research is crucial for future lunar and Martian explorations and may lead to significant biomedical breakthroughs that benefit health on Earth.
Lexington, KY — Space Tango, a trailblazer in microgravity research, is at the forefront of innovative studies designed to unlock medical advances aimed at improving astronaut health during extended space missions. The company, founded in 2014 and based in Lexington, operates a research facility on the International Space Station (ISS) and has undertaken nearly 300 experiments to date. Their research is pivotal, especially as humanity plans for future explorations beyond Earth’s orbit, including missions to the Moon and Mars.
One of Space Tango’s latest projects will focus on the upcoming Artemis II mission, which will involve a study titled A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response (AVATAR). This experiment will utilize tissue chips containing bone marrow cells from astronauts to explore how microgravity affects cellular responses. The findings from this study are expected to provide invaluable insights into protecting astronaut health during long-duration space travel, which remains a primary concern for space agencies.
Space Tango’s experiments include a diverse range of topics, such as the effects of microgravity on cell growth, advancements in flow chemistry, and the development of artificial retinas. The research is conducted using self-contained modular laboratories that allow for multiple studies to occur simultaneously with minimal astronaut intervention, ensuring efficient use of resources aboard the ISS.
The organization’s president and cofounder, Tyman Clements, describes their innovative work as akin to “playing Legos,” where complex bioscience experiments are constructed and sent into space for analysis. This playful approach emphasizes creativity and exploration in the realm of scientific discovery.
Space Tango emerged from Kentucky Space and the Kentucky Science Technology Corporation, contributing to the advancement of CubeSats—small, cost-effective satellites designed for educational and scientific missions in low Earth orbit. The initiative began shortly after NASA’s Orion spacecraft completed its first test flight and CubeSats became commercially viable, setting the stage for a new era in space exploration.
The company was established by key figures including Scott Hubbard, renowned for his involvement in NASA’s Mars Program. With its commitment to pioneering bioscience research, Space Tango is positioned to play a crucial role in the rapidly growing commercial space industry, which is witnessing an increase in companies aiming to explore deep space and beyond.
Beyond the immediate objective of astronaut health, Space Tango envisions a future where the knowledge gained from microgravity research catalyzes significant biomedical breakthroughs that could potentially save lives on Earth. As their experiments continue to evolve, they remain focused on harnessing the unique conditions of microgravity to advance scientific understanding and practical applications.
Overall, Space Tango’s ongoing research is not only pivotal for the success of future space missions but also holds promise for transformative impacts on healthcare and medical research on Earth.
FAQ
What is Space Tango and what do they do?
Space Tango is a research organization based in Lexington, KY, focused on conducting bioscience experiments in microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They aim to unlock medical advancements and protect astronaut health during deep space missions.
What is the significance of the Artemis II mission for Space Tango?
The Artemis II mission will feature the AVATAR study that uses tissue chips with astronaut bone marrow cells. This study aims to analyze the effects of microgravity on these cells and provide insights into astronaut health during long-duration space flights.
What types of experiments does Space Tango conduct?
Space Tango conducts a variety of experiments, including studies on cell growth in microgravity, flow chemistry, and the production of artificial retinas. Their research utilizes self-contained modular labs that require minimal astronaut involvement.
Key Features of Space Tango’s Work
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014, emerging from Kentucky Space |
| Key Location | International Space Station (ISS) |
| Core Focus | Bioscience research in microgravity |
| Notable Study | A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response (AVATAR) |
| Experiments Conducted | Nearly 300 experiments to date |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: Space Tango Is Out of This World
- Wikipedia: Microgravity Research
- Inc: Space Tango Sending Experiments to ISS
- Google Search: Space Tango
- SpaceNews: Space Tango ST-42
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Space Exploration
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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