Space ageing experiment

  • Researchers in the UK have sent human muscle cells to the International Space Station to help them understand the effects of ageing. Photo: University of Liverpool
    Researchers in the UK have sent human muscle cells to the International Space Station to help them understand the effects of ageing. Photo: University of Liverpool
  • The MicroAge project by the University of Liverpool was launched into space by a SpaceX rocket on December 21. It will arrive at the station on December 22. Photo: University of Liverpool
    The MicroAge project by the University of Liverpool was launched into space by a SpaceX rocket on December 21. It will arrive at the station on December 22. Photo: University of Liverpool
  • A Falcon 9 rocket launched the experiment into space on December 21. Photo: SpaceX
    A Falcon 9 rocket launched the experiment into space on December 21. Photo: SpaceX
  • Researchers will study age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function by researching the samples in microgravity conditions. Photo: University of Liverpool
    Researchers will study age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function by researching the samples in microgravity conditions. Photo: University of Liverpool
  • They grew “mini muscles” from human muscle cells in a laboratory, which were stored in 24 containers that were sent to space. Photo: University of Liverpool
    They grew “mini muscles” from human muscle cells in a laboratory, which were stored in 24 containers that were sent to space. Photo: University of Liverpool
  • The researchers with the MicroAge project at Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, the launch site from where the project was sent to space. Photo: University of Liverpool
    The researchers with the MicroAge project at Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, the launch site from where the project was sent to space. Photo: University of Liverpool