Elon Musk’s SpaceX collaborates with three Italian universities on innovative projects: oncology therapies, elderly health and fertility. Space research enters the clinics of the future
Elon Musk’s SpaceX will support Italian universities in the field of scientific research, supporting projects relating to oncology therapies, improving the lives of the elderly and fertility studies.
In particular, the Dragon spacecraft, a vehicle capable of transporting tons of cargo to the International Space Station, accompanies the scientific projects conducted by three Italian universities: the University of Rome – Tor Vergata, the University of Trieste and the Sapienza University of Rome. This opens up the possibility for Italian scientists to use SpaceX to conduct research.
LIDAL (Light Ion Detector for Altea)
The Tor Vergata University project is aimed at tracking cosmic radiation and reducing the risks of astronaut exposure by 25%. The same technologies can improve anti-cancer therapies in Italian clinics.
NutrISS (Nutritional Monitoring for ISS)
Developed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the University of Trieste, the project aims to increase astronauts’ muscle strength by 15% through optimized nutrition. These results can also be used in prevention for the benefit of older people: frailty can be reduced as well as the weakening resulting from falls and fractures. The approach could therefore have a positive impact on the Italian healthcare system, reducing the number of hospitalizations.
OVOSPACE
This is a study conducted by the Sapienza University of Rome dedicated to the aging of ovarian cells. Biomarkers increase the effectiveness of fertility treatments by 10-20%.
Dragon and collaboration between SpaceX and Italy
Since 2012, Dragon has completed more than 40 missions to the ISS: 4-6 annual flights with a success rate of 100%. The missions result in the delivery of between 100 and 150 experiments each year. In addition to supporting Italian universities, the collaboration between our country and SpaceX also resulted in the signing of a bilateral agreement last August which plans to transport Italian experiments to Mars via the Starship rocket in the near future.
