Crew-13 to run human health experiments aimed at Moon and Mars journeys
NASA outlined research for the Crew-13 mission, including a joint ESA study on blood flow and clotting in weightlessness. The crew will also test manual piloting and take a daily B-vitamin supplement to assess eye protection. NASA says the results will inform preparations for Artemis lunar missions and future Mars expeditions.
Crew-13 is set to launch to the ISS on October 1, 2026, with NASA and SpaceX. Its research agenda centers on how weightlessness affects veins, including a joint ESA effort examining circulation and clot formation. By sharing blood collection and health data, the agencies aim to reduce the number of draws needed from crew members.
Additional Human Research Program work includes manual flying tests, a daily B-vitamin supplement evaluated for eye protection, Standard Measures health and behavior tracking, landing monitoring, and an exercise study comparing outcomes tied to treadmill use. NASA expects these results to support Artemis lunar planning, a Moon Base, and eventual Mars expeditions, with possible clot-related benefits on Earth too.
Findings from Crew-13 may influence how space agencies plan health care for astronauts on longer missions, affecting crew selection, medical monitoring, exercise routines, and countermeasures. Clot and eye research could also inform terrestrial medicine, potentially benefiting patients at risk of vascular or vision problems. Public interest in Artemis and Mars could grow as these studies show how everyday biomedical questions shape exploration. However, concrete societal effects will depend on whether results are replicated and translated into operational practice.