What’s new in space medicine
A short monthly roundup of space medicine news, in plain English. Every item links to its original source (NASA, the FAA or a peer-reviewed journal). Site changes are tracked separately in the changelog.
October 2026
Bone health after long missions, blood clots, immune changes by age, and new health research heading to the space station.
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Journal · Oct 1, 2026
Long missions linked to more hip fractures later in life
A NASA-led study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings looked at fractures reported in annual exams of U.S. astronauts. Overall fracture rates were not higher, but hip fractures were more common after flights longer than 90 days, and happened at younger ages than expected in people who have not flown. The authors call for bone checks beyond standard bone density scans; NASA has begun ordering detailed CT scans of bone before and after flight.
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NASA HRP · Oct 12, 2026
NASA asks researchers for ways to prevent and treat blood clots in space
NASA’s Human Research Program is requesting project plans and budget quotes for research on monitoring, reducing the risk of, or treating blood clots in veins (venous thrombosis) during spaceflight. Both new studies and analyses of existing data are welcome. Responses are due by 1:00 PM Central (2:00 PM ET) on November 20, 2026.
Source: NASA
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NASA · Sep 24, 2026
Crew-13 begins health studies on the space station
The Crew-13 astronauts arrived at the space station on October 1. Their planned studies include how spaceflight affects blood flow and clotting (with MRI scans, neck-vein ultrasound, blood pressure checks and blood draws), and the continuing B-Complex study of whether a daily B-vitamin supplement can reduce or prevent spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, the eye changes seen on long missions.
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Journal · Oct 12, 2026
Younger astronauts showed larger gene-activity changes in immune cells
An open-access study in npj Microgravity analyzed immune cells from the blood of ten space station crewmembers (aged 34–61 at launch), sampled 75–210 days into flight. Gene-activity changes were larger in younger crewmembers and on longer missions, including signs of stressed mitochondria (the cell’s energy units). There was no clear difference by sex. The authors say it is not yet known whether the stronger response helps or harms.
Source: npj Microgravity, Oct 12, 2026
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NASA · Oct 12, 2026
Next cargo flight carries brain models and faster health tests
NASA’s 35th SpaceX cargo mission to the space station carries four health-related investigations: tiny lab-grown models of the human brain, a compact reader that measures biomarkers (antibodies, antigens and proteins) on board, a study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on station surfaces, and a crop disease study.
Source: NASA Science, Oct 12, 2026
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NASA HRP · Oct 14, 2026
NASA sought ideas for monitoring astronaut body temperature
NASA asked researchers how to measure astronauts’ core body temperature in orbit, at rest, during exercise and during reentry and landing, noting evidence that body temperature may run higher in weightlessness. The call closed on October 14, 2026.
Source: NASA
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FAA · Apr 14, 2026
Status check: FAA limits on regulating passenger safety run to January 1, 2028
Federal law still bars the FAA from writing rules for the safety of people on board commercial spacecraft (the “learning period”) until January 1, 2028. Until then, operators must get written informed consent and tell occupants the government has not certified the vehicle as safe. An industry rulemaking committee delivered its recommendations to the FAA in 2025. Status as of October 15, 2026; FAA page last updated April 14, 2026.
Source: FAA, Human Space Flight