Space travel is becoming more common, with both commercial and civilian missions sending people beyond Earth’s atmosphere. As more individuals journey into space, scientists have a unique opportunity to study how spaceflight affects the human body. The GENESTAR manual, developed by the Genomics and Space Medicine project at Baylor College of Medicine, is at the forefront of this effort, providing a standardized way to collect, store, and analyze biological samples (biospecimens) from space travelers.
Why Study Biospecimens in Space?
Space is a harsh environment. Microgravity, increased radiation, and other factors can cause changes in the body that we don’t fully understand. Previous research has shown that astronauts can experience immune system problems, reactivation of dormant viruses, DNA damage, bone loss, muscle weakening, and even a condition called Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), which affects vision. However, the molecular details behind these changes remain unclear.
To uncover these secrets, scientists need high-quality biological samples from astronauts—such as blood, saliva, urine, and stool—collected before, during, and after their missions. By analyzing these samples using advanced “Omics” technologies (like genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), researchers can study genes, proteins, and other molecules to see exactly how space affects human health.
The GENESTAR Manual: A New Standard
The GENESTAR manual was created to address the challenges of collecting and processing biospecimens from space travelers. It provides detailed instructions for collecting a wide variety of samples, ensuring that they are suitable for different types of Omics studies. The manual was developed with input from commercial space partners to make sure it fits real-world needs and constraints.
For example, during the Axiom-2 mission, 339 biospecimens were collected using the GENESTAR manual. Impressively, 98% of blood samples and over 91% of non-blood samples met the strict quality standards required for Omics research, highlighting the manual’s effectiveness.
Protecting Privacy and Ensuring Consent
Collecting genetic and health information comes with privacy concerns. The GENESTAR protocol includes a careful informed consent process, where participants learn about the study, its risks, and how their data will be used. Personal information is protected through coding and de-identification, and participants can opt out at any time, with their samples destroyed if they choose to withdraw.
Biobanking for the Future
All collected samples are stored in a secure, high-tech biobank at Baylor College of Medicine. This biobank uses a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track and manage samples, ensuring they are available for future research. The data generated is shared with other researchers, helping to build a global understanding of how spaceflight impacts health.
The Road Ahead
As commercial spaceflight grows, the GENESTAR manual and the Space Omics project will play a crucial role in gathering the large, high-quality datasets needed to answer important questions about human health in space. The knowledge gained won’t just help astronauts—it could also lead to new insights and treatments for health problems here on Earth.
