Endothelial cells

These endothelial cells spent several days in a random positioning machine, a device that simulates microgravity on Earth.

The Spheroids experiment looked at how the cells that form the inner layer of our blood vessels – the endothelial cells – react to microgravity on the International Space Station.Endothelial cells control the contraction and expansion of our blood vessels, regulating blood flow to our organs and blood pressure.

Blood flow changes in space because gravity no longer pulls blood towards astronauts’ feet. By understanding the underlying adaptive mechanisms of how our bodies respond to weightlessness, this experiment aims to develop methods to help astronauts in space while showing possibilities for people on Earth – our endothelial cells become less effective with age – to live longer and healthier lives.