NASA astronaut and Expedition 75 flight engineer Jessica Watkins worked inside the Kibo laboratory module's Life Science Glovebox on Oct. 9, 2026, according to an image article published by the agency on Oct. 21, 2026. She safely mixed living cell samples with a bioink and then filled a special cartridge with the cell-ink mixture.

The operations were part of the InSPA-Auxilium Bioprinter-Cell Printing investigation, which explores 3D bioprinting of cartilage tissue in microgravity at a quality described as higher than that produced on Earth. The agency says results may advance the ability to biomanufacture cartilage.

According to NASA, such advances could benefit patients on Earth as well as crew members on long-duration space missions. The image was credited to NASA's Anil Menon.