# Advancements in orbital technology and space science

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/advancements-in-orbital-technology-and-space-science
> Updated: 2026-10-20T06:30:50.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Recent space missions and research developments are focusing on orbital technology and microgravity-based scientific studies. NASA is testing autonomous navigation through the SSPICY mission, which utilizes Starfish Space’s Otter 24C spacecraft to inspect non-functional satellites and rocket components in low Earth orbit. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, the spacecraft is scheduled to begin approaching US-origin objects in early 2027. By using cameras and sensors to determine rotation, orientation, and surface condition from several hundred meters away, the mission aims to gather data for future satellite repair and debris removal without direct contact.

Simultaneously, biological and medical research is advancing through various orbital platforms. The South Korean company Spacelintech has deployed the BEE-PC2 protein crystallization module to the International Space Station (ISS) via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Building on its previous BEE-PC1 experiment, the module aims to grow protein crystals in microgravity to help researchers observe how drug candidates bind to target proteins at an atomic level, validating a commercial service model for the biotech industry.

In a separate effort, NASA is utilizing the SpaceX CRS-35 resupply mission to transport studies regarding human health and agriculture to the ISS. The Dragon capsule, which docked on October 15, delivered laboratory-grown 3D miniature human brain models, known as ‘miBrains’. These models will remain in orbit for five weeks to study the effects of microgravity and radiation on brain cells, aiming to identify cellular changes to better understand human aging, neurological diseases, and methods to protect astronaut health during long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. The mission also includes experiments regarding the impact of microgravity on plant diseases.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: NASA sends miniature human brain models to the International Space Station

NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35 mission has delivered laboratory-grown miniature human brain models to the ISS to study the effects of microgravity and radiation on neurological health.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-sends-miniature-human-brain-models-to-the-international-space-station

### 2026-10-13: NASA sends four health and agriculture studies to ISS via SpaceX

NASA's SpaceX CRS-35 mission will deliver four research studies to the ISS, including human brain tissue models and plant disease experiments, to study the effects of microgravity on health and agriculture.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-sends-four-health-and-agriculture-studies-to-iss-via-spacex

### 2026-10-13: NASA and Spacelintech advance orbital inspection and space medicine technologies

NASA is testing autonomous spacecraft for orbital satellite inspection, while Spacelintech has launched a protein crystallization module to the ISS to advance space-based drug discovery.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-and-spacelintech-advance-orbital-inspection-and-space-medicine-technologies

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Cite as: Advancements in orbital technology and space science. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/advancements-in-orbital-technology-and-space-science