NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Returns to Earth After Months of Engaging in Cutting-Edge Science Sponsored by the ISS National Lab

Investigations supported by astronauts include protein crystallization studies to improve therapeutics; research to test a new drug for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s; along with experiments designed by students

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Astronauts on NASA’s ninth rotational SpaceX crew mission (Crew-9) splashed down off the coast of Florida yesterday evening, ending their months-long science expedition onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Over the course of the mission, the crew supported a variety of investigations sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory®, including research to improve treatments for neurodegenerative conditions, studies to manufacture more effective therapeutics in space, and student-led experiments to prepare the next generation of explorers. Returning crew members include NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, who are part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

During their expedition, the Crew-9 astronauts played a vital role in supporting the mission of the ISS National Lab by conducting dozens of investigations that aim to bring value to humanity and enable a robust economy in low Earth orbit. Below are a few ISS National Lab-sponsored projects the astronauts worked on during their mission:

• Bristol Myers Squibb, in collaboration with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Redwire Space, built on its legacy of protein crystallization on the space station with a project seeking to crystallize model small molecule compounds. Crystals grown in microgravity are often larger and more well-ordered than those grown on the ground and could have improved morphology (geometric shape). The project aims to support the manufacturing of more effective therapeutics in space.
• Sachi Bio, working with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Space Tango, conducted an investigation to advance the development of new therapeutics for neurodegenerative conditions. The project aimed to use brain organoids in microgravity to test the effects of a novel drug on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
• The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) funded several projects supported by the crew. For example, a project from the University of California, Santa Barbara, working with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider BioServe Space Technologies, leveraged microgravity to understand how mucus that lines the human airway affects medication delivery to the lungs. Results from this project could improve the modeling of drug delivery for treatments such as surfactant replacement therapy (a treatment for infants with respiratory distress syndrome).
• The crew also worked on several student-led experiments. Genes in Space launched its 11^th student investigation, an RNA experiment from Isabel Jiang, now a freshman at Yale University. The project investigated a novel way to detect genetic elements that can activate under spaceflight conditions and could shed light on genetic risks for astronauts. Additionally, the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) engaged students from 38 communities in the scientific process of designing microgravity experiments using Mixstix, flexible tubes that keep substances separate until they are ready to be mixed in space. The student projects explored research areas like infectious bacteria growth, germination of lettuce seeds, eco-friendly worms as pest control, and hydrating plants in space with Liquid I.V., a commercial powdered drink mix.

The ISS National Lab provides access and opportunity for researchers to leverage the unique space environment for the benefit of humanity and to enable commerce in space. To learn more about ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations that have flown on various NASA-funded commercial resupply services missions, please visit our missions and launches page.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Crew-9 Astronauts

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page.

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SOURCE International Space Station National Lab