Space & Science

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One day, we might see glowing cities of glass scattered across the Moon’s surface, shining softly under Earth’s light. NASA is teaming up with Skyeports, a California-based company, to explore how lunar dust could be turned into massive glass spheres strong enough to live in. These futuristic, transparent habitats could become the first real homes for astronauts on the Moon.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.INSIDE NASA’S FAST-TRACK PLANS FOR LUNAR NUCLEAR POWER AND NEW SPACE STATIONS TO OUTPACE GLOBAL RIVALS Skyeports’ vision begins with melting lunar dust in microwave furnaces to create durable glass. (Skyeports)Turning moon dust into homesSkyeports has developed a way to transform lunar dust, known as regolith, into durable glass that can be shaped into massive spheres. Using a microwave furnace, the regolith melts and expands like a bubble before cooling into a hard, transparent shell. These spheres could one day serve as living and working spaces for astronauts.The innovation lies in building directly on the Moon using local materials. No costly shipments from Earth are required. The same pipes used to blow the molten glass will become entrances, while 3D printers inside the spheres will create furniture and fittings using lunar materials.SPACE STARTUP UNVEILS 1-HOUR ORBITAL DELIVERY SYSTEM The spherical glass design evenly spreads pressure, forming strong, transparent habitats that can withstand micrometeorites and extreme lunar conditions. (Skyeports)Self-healing and solar-powered livingThe planned glass spheres go far beyond simple shelters. They are designed as self-sustaining ecosystems. The glass can repair small cracks caused by micrometeorites or moonquakes, and built-in solar panels will allow each habitat to generate its own energy.Inside, temperature layers could create condensation to support plant growth. This would produce oxygen, water and food, making each sphere a self-contained life-support system.The science behind the glass sphere designThe spherical shape is more than a design choice. It evenly distributes pressure, giving the structure incredible strength. By adding elements like titanium, magnesium and calcium, the glass becomes even tougher and stronger than steel.Dr. Martin Bermudez, CEO of Skyeports, shared that current prototypes are only a few inches wide, but future spheres could stretch up to 1,640 feet across. His long-term vision is a network of glass cities connected by transparent bridges across the lunar landscape.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program supports this research as part of its push to prepare for long-term human life on the Moon under the Artemis mission. (Skyeports)Future plans to test glass sphere habitats on the moonThis concept is part of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program, which funds forward-thinking projects that could transform future missions. With the Artemis program aiming to return humans to the Moon soon, finding safe and sustainable habitats is a top priority.The Skyeports team plans to test the glassblowing technique in a thermal vacuum chamber, followed by parabolic flight experiments that simulate microgravity. Future trials are scheduled aboard the International Space Station to see how the process performs in real space conditions. If all goes well, tests on the lunar surface could happen within the next few years. What this means for youThe idea behind these lunar glass spheres reaches far beyond space exploration. It represents a new approach to sustainable design, one that could reshape how we build on Earth. The same techniques could lead to eco-friendly, energy-efficient buildings for our own planet’s future. If these glass structures can protect astronauts from extreme lunar conditions, they might inspire a new generation of sustainable architecture here at home.Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my quiz here: Cyberguy.com Kurt’s key takeawaysNASA’s partnership with Skyeports feels like the start of something big. It shows that life beyond Earth is moving from imagination to reality. The mix of science, design, and creativity behind these glass habitats could be the first real step toward building lasting communities on the Moon. Humanity is learning how to move from exploring space to actually living there.Would you choose to live in a glass city on the Moon if you had the chance? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.   Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Malware targeting Android devices has grown increasingly sophisticated. From fake banking apps to phishing campaigns, attackers are finding new ways to trick you into giving up sensitive data.One of the newest threats comes in the form of malicious apps that appear legitimate but can take full control of your device. Security researchers are now warning Android users to delete a fake VPN and streaming app that can allow criminals to take over your phone and drain your bank account.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.How Klopatra infects devicesThe malicious VPN and streaming app is called Mobdro Pro IP TV + VPN, and it was recently discovered by researchers at Cleafy. Once you install the app, it drops a malware strain called Klopatra. It’s a new and highly sophisticated Android malware currently being used in active campaigns targeting financial institutions and their customers.THIS CHROME VPN EXTENSION SECRETLY SPIES ON YOU Fake VPN apps can hide dangerous malware that steals your data and money. (iStock)At first glance, the app looks like a free streaming platform offering high-quality channels, which makes it appealing to Android users. Once installed, though, it deploys a banking Trojan and a remote-access tool that give attackers full control over the infected device. With that level of access, criminals can steal your banking credentials and even carry out fraudulent transactions without your knowledge.The infection chain is carefully planned. It starts with social engineering, tricking you into downloading and installing the app from outside the official Play Store. From there, Klopatra bypasses Android’s built-in protections and reaches deep into the system to gain persistence and control.HACKERS PUSH FAKE APPS WITH MALWARE IN GOOGLE SEARCHES The Klopatra Trojan gives hackers full control of infected Android devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Fake VPNs are a growing problemVPNs are widely promoted as privacy tools that hide your IP address and encrypt internet traffic. Millions rely on them to bypass geographic restrictions, protect sensitive communications or simply browse more securely. Yet not all VPNs are trustworthy. Various studies have proved that popular commercial VPNs have alarming shortcomings. Some use protocols that are not designed to protect privacy, obscure ownership or fail to encrypt traffic properly.When fake apps like Mobdro are combined with these weaknesses, users are left exposed. Criminals exploit both the popularity of VPNs and the prevalence of pirated streaming services to distribute malware effectively. This growing ecosystem of risky apps underscores how important it is to research, verify and only download software from reputable sources.SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS Stay safe by downloading apps only from trusted sources and keeping your phone updated. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)9 steps you can take to protect yourselfIf you suspect that you’ve downloaded a fake app from the internet, there’s no need to panic. The steps below will help you stay protected and keep your data safe.1) Stick to trusted sourcesOnly download VPNs, streaming services and apps from Google Play, Apple App Store or the official developer’s website. Avoid links in forums, social media messages or emails promising free content.2) Check app permissionsCarefully review what access an app requests. If it asks for control over your device, settings or accessibility services unnecessarily, do not install it. Legitimate VPNs rarely require full device control.3) Use a secure VPNWhen choosing a VPN, opt for one with strong privacy policies, transparent ownership and robust encryption. A secure VPN ensures your connection remains private without giving attackers a foothold.For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com4) Install strong antivirus softwareA strong antivirus on your device can detect malware and suspicious behavior before damage occurs. These services can scan new downloads and provide ongoing protection.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com5) Monitor your accountsBanking Trojans target sensitive credentials. Identity monitoring services can alert you if your personal information appears online or is being misused, helping you respond before harm is done. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com6) Remove the malicious app immediatelyIf you discover a suspicious app on your Android device, remove it right away.Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. Open SettingsClick Apps and locate the fake app.Tap Uninstall to remove it from your device.If the uninstall option is unavailable, restart your phone in Safe Mode and try again.After removal, run a full antivirus scan to delete any remaining malware components.7) Keep devices updatedRegular system updates patch security vulnerabilities that malware like Klopatra exploits. Combined with antivirus protection, this significantly reduces the chance of infection.8) Change passwords and enable 2FAOnce your device is secure, update your login credentials.Change passwords for banking, email, and Google accounts immediately. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/PasswordsTurn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra protection.Use an authenticator app instead of text messages for better security.This step helps protect your accounts if hackers steal your credentials. 9) Report the malicious appFinally, take steps to protect others and report the threat.Report the fake app to Google Play Protect or your antivirus provider.If your bank details were exposed, contact your bank’s fraud department immediately.Reporting helps cybersecurity teams track and block similar fake VPNs in the future.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPKurt’s key takeawayFake VPNs and streaming apps exploit your trust and the gaps in app verification processes, showing that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim. While official stores offer a layer of protection, you must remain vigilant, check permissions and rely on reputable security tools. Never download anything from the random links you see on the internet.Do you think Google is doing enough to prevent malware from entering the Android OS? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Key Takeaways: 1. Police departments in the US and Canada are increasingly using virtual reality training to help officers make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. 2. The technology, provided by Axon, is being used by over 1,500 police agencies and offers scenarios including de-escalation and Taser use. 3. The use of virtual reality training has

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Election season should be about casting your vote and making your voice heard. But for scammers, it’s an opportunity to trick retirees into handing over personal details, money or even their vote itself.What many don’t realize is that public voter registration data is one of the biggest tools fraudsters use. With elections coming up on Nov. 4, scammers are already scraping these records and using them to create targeted scams. If you’re a retiree or helping a parent or loved one prepare to vote, here’s how to stay safe.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Why voter records are public and riskyHOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIAEvery state in the U.S. keeps voter registration lists. These include personal details like:Full nameHome addressPhone number (in some states)Political party affiliationVoting history (whether you voted, not who you voted for). Scammers are targeting retirees with fake election messages and calls. (Getty Images)While these lists are meant for transparency, they’re often made available online or sold in bulk. Data brokers scoop them up, combine them with other records and suddenly scammers have a detailed profile of you: your age, address, and voting habits. For retirees, this exposure is especially dangerous. Why? Because seniors are less likely to know that this information is floating around, making scams seem more convincing.You can easily check where your personal information is exposed with a free data exposure scanner. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.comScams targeting retirees before Nov. 4Here are the most common election-season cons fraudsters are already running:1) Fake “polling place” updatesYou might get a call, text or email saying your polling location has changed. Scammers may then direct you to a fake site that asks for your Social Security number or ID details “to confirm eligibility.”2) “Voter ID update” messagesSince some states require voter ID, scammers will pose as election officials, claiming your ID is “out of date” or that you must upload personal documents. These go straight into the wrong hands.RETIREES LOSE MILLIONS TO FAKE HOLIDAY CHARITIES AS SCAMMERS EXPLOIT SEASONAL GENEROSITY3) Donation scamsCriminals set up fake political donation sites with names resembling real campaigns. Retirees who are politically active or generous with causes are prime targets here.4) Absentee ballot phishingScammers know many seniors vote by mail. They’ll send emails offering to “help” with requests or track your ballot while stealing your personal data in the process.Red flags to watch out for Public voter data can make it easy for fraudsters to create convincing scams. (CyberGuy.com)Scammers use clever tricks to make their messages seem urgent and official. Here are the warning signs that should make you pause before responding.Urgency: “Act now or lose your right to vote.” Scammers use deadlines to scare you.Unusual payment requests: No legitimate election office will ever ask for payment to vote or register.Strange links: If you’re asked to click on a link from a text or email, stop. Always go directly to your state’s official election website instead.Requests for sensitive info: Election officials don’t need your Social Security number or bank account details.How retirees can stay safe this election seasonProtecting yourself doesn’t mean opting out of civic life. It means taking a few smart steps:1) Reduce your data footprintThis one matters most. The less personal data available about you, the fewer opportunities scammers have to trick you during election season. When they can view your age, address and even your voting history, they can craft messages that sound alarmingly real. The good news is you can take control and limit what’s out there.Reaching every voter data broker or people-search site on your own is nearly impossible, and most make the process intentionally difficult. That’s why data removal services can help. They automatically send removal requests to hundreds of data-broker sites and keeps monitoring to ensure your information doesn’t return. The result is fewer scam calls, fewer phishing emails and far less risk this election season.While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERSCheck out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.comGet a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com2) Confirm only through official sourcesIf you get a message about your polling place, ignore any links and call your local election office directly. Each state also has an official website you can trust.3) Sign up for ballot trackingMany states offer secure ballot tracking online. Use only the official election site, not third-party services.4) Freeze your creditSince scammers use voter data to impersonate you, a credit freeze stops them from opening new accounts in your name. Retirees who don’t need frequent new credit are especially good candidates for this protection. Taking steps to remove your personal info online helps keep your vote and data safe. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)5) Be wary of political donation sitesIf you want to donate, type the campaign’s official website into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email or social media ad.Kurt’s key takeawayVoting is one of the most important rights we have. But this year, scammers will use public voter data to exploit retirees like never before. Don’t let them steal your peace of mind. By spotting the red flags, sticking to official election sources and removing your personal data from the web, you can protect yourself and your vote.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHave you or someone you know received a suspicious message about voting or donations? How did you realize or suspect that it was a scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletterCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

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Do rude prompts really get better answers? Short answer: sometimes. A 2025 arXiv study tested 50 questions rewritten in five tones and found that rude prompts slightly outperformed polite ones with ChatGPT-4o. Accuracy rose from 80.8% for very polite to 84.8% for very rude. The sample was small, yet the pattern was clear.But not so fast, this story has layers. A 2024 study that looked at multiple languages painted a different picture. It found that impolite prompts often lowered performance, and that the “best” level of politeness changed depending on the language. In other words, the details really matter.OPENAI SAYS NEW GPT-5 MODELS SHOW MAJOR DROP IN POLITICAL BIASSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CyberGuy.com/Newsletter Rude prompts made ChatGPT more accurate. Polite ones scored lower. Tone changed the outcome. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Why tone might change outcomesLarge Language Models (LLMs) tend to mirror the wording they receive. When you sound direct or even a little blunt, you often give clearer instructions. That helps cut down on confusion and pushes the model to deliver sharper, more focused answers. A 2025 paper published on arXiv found that tone alone can shift accuracy by a few points, although more research is needed to confirm those results.In an earlier study led by researchers from Waseda University and RIKEN AIP, the team compared English, Chinese and Japanese prompts. They discovered that the ideal level of politeness varied by language, showing how cultural norms shape the way AI interprets human requests. In short, what works in one language might not land the same way in another.Americans split on whether to be polite to AI chatbotsNearly half of Americans say people should be polite to AI chatbots, according to an April 30, 2025, YouGov survey. Many users do it out of habit or courtesy. Microsoft’s design leaders even recommend basic etiquette with Copilot. “Using polite language sets a tone for the response,” says Kurtis Beavers. Models tend to mirror the professionalism and clarity of your prompt. A blunt prompt can sharpen results. Direct words help AI focus. Clear beats kind here. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Yes, niceties have a costGood manners may be polite, but they are not free. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said people saying “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT costs the company millions of dollars each year. Every extra word adds tokens for the model to process, and those tokens require computing power and electricity.For a single user, that cost is tiny and hardly noticeable. Yet when millions of users do it all day, those small gestures turn into a major expense. In the end, even kindness comes with a price tag.CHATGPT MAY ALERT POLICE ON SUICIDAL TEENSHow to prompt for accuracy without being a jerkGetting better answers from ChatGPT is not about yelling at it. It is about being clear and confident. Here is how to do that without crossing the line.Start with the goal. Tell the model what you want right away. Include the format and any limits up front so it knows where to focus.Get specific. Use numbers instead of vague words. “Write three bullet points” works better than “Write a few ideas.”Add a check. Ask it to review its own steps or measure its answer against a simple checklist. That keeps things on track.Keep your tone firm but calm. You can be direct without being rude. Short, clear sentences usually get the best results.Experiment a little. Try one neutral prompt, one polite version and one more direct. Compare the results and see which one performs best for your task.The point is not to be nice or nasty. It is to be clear, consistent and deliberate about what you ask. That is how you get smarter answers every time. Researchers tested three languages. Each reacted differently to politeness. Culture shaped every reply. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Rude prompts and ChatGPT accuracy in practiceHere’s where things get interesting. If you’re writing math problems, multiple-choice questions or coding tasks, a short, no-nonsense tone might actually help. The 2025 study showed that when users dropped the polite fluff and went straight to the point, ChatGPT’s accuracy ticked upward.Still, don’t expect miracles. The difference wasn’t huge; think a few percentage points, not a full upgrade. Rude or direct prompts can sharpen a model’s focus, but they won’t suddenly turn an average prompt into a perfect one. The trick is to treat tone as just one lever in your prompt-engineering toolbox. Clarity, structure and context matter more than attitude.So, how should you use this in real life?The findings might sound odd, but they offer a clear takeaway for anyone who uses AI tools daily. Here’s how to put them into practice.Chase clarity, not cruelty. Be firm and specific. You can sound confident without sounding cranky.Read the room or the language. What’s “direct” in English might come across as rude in Japanese or overly blunt in Chinese. Culture shapes how tone lands.Mind your tokens. Every “please” and “thank you” costs a little extra computer power, and when millions of people do it, that adds up fast. Altman wasn’t joking about the price of politeness.Keep experimenting. Your best tone depends on your data, domain and goals. Try a few versions, track the results and see what works best.In short, it’s not about being rude for the sake of it. It’s about being precise, purposeful and efficient, qualities that both humans and machines respond to.Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com/QuizCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPKurt’s key takeawaysIn the end, tone really does make a difference, but it is not the whole story. Being a little blunt can sometimes help a chatbot focus better, yet clarity and structure still matter most. Think of tone as the seasoning on a meal, not the main course. The real secret is this: good prompts are clear, confident and purposeful. Whether you choose a polite tone or a more direct one, what matters is explaining exactly what you need. That is how you get consistent, high-quality answers without resorting to rudeness. So before you send your next question, ask yourself this: Are you being too polite to get results, or just polite enough to be understood?If being a little rude buys a few points of accuracy, would you trade etiquette for outcomes on your next prompt? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/ContactSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CyberGuy.com/NewsletterCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Key Takeaways: Instagram has introduced new PG-13 settings to protect teenagers from mature and risky content. The new settings automatically filter out sexually suggestive material, violence, alcohol, and tobacco for users under 18. Parents can now set stricter boundaries with the Limited Content setting, which filters mature material, removes comments, and limits what teens can

Curiosity and the desire to explore are traits deeply rooted in human nature. Space exploration is no exception; it reflects humanity’s timeless drive to seek new horizons, challenge our limits, and understand our universe.The advancements of modern civilization—from the electricity that powers our homes to basic hygienic breakthroughs that ensure our health— happened thanks to humanity’s dedication to expanding our knowledge and transforming our world. Similarly, before we can venture into deep space, we must expand our knowledge to understand life beyond Earth. The International Space Station provides the platform for sharpening the skills, technology, and understanding that has springboarded humanity forward, leading us back to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
In November 2025, NASA and its international partners will surpass 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station. As NASA prepares for Artemis missions to the Moon and sets sights on Mars, the space station continues to enable groundbreaking research not possible on Earth, making significant strides in our journey farther into the final frontier.

Space presents an entirely new physical environment with a unique set of challenges. Without Earth’s gravity, researchers first needed to master techniques for basic tasks like drinking water, sleeping, exercising, and handling various materials. Fundamental research in the early days of the space station helped us address these basic challenges and move forward to more advanced physics, building multiple space-based research facilities, developing life support systems, and even improving consumer products for life on Earth.
The human body experiences challenges in space like adapting to different gravitational fields and living for long periods in a closed environment. For example, fluid shifts in the body due to microgravity can cause changes with the eyes, brain, bones, muscles, and cardiovascular system. Being able to see, breathe, and function optimally are critical to living and working in space. Research aboard the space station is producing solutions to these challenges and equipping humans for deep space exploration though research like simulating moon landings to clarify how gravitational transitions affect piloting capabilities and decision-making.

As missions venture farther from Earth, reliable technologies and self-sustaining ecosystems become essential. The space station provides a testbed to refine these systems before humans travel to distant destinations.
Food, water, and air are among the basic needs for human survival. Thanks to testing aboard the space station, we have developed state-of-the-art life support systems that could be used on future commercial space stations and the Artemis missions. The space station also has enabled testing of evolving technologies to recycle air, water, and waste. In the U.S. segment of space station, NASA achieved 98% water recovery, the ideal level needed for missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Deep space missions could last several years, and astronauts will need enough food to sustain them the entire time. Packaged food can degrade and lose nutrients and vitamins over time, and a deficiency in vitamins can cause health issues. Growing and producing fresh foods and nutrients will be vital during these missions. Over 50 species of plants have been grown aboard the space station, including a variety of vegetables, leafy greens, grains, and legumes. Scientists are testing different systems for scalable crop growth, including aeroponic and hydroponic systems.  Research is also being conducted to produce vital nutrients in orbit using microbes.
Researchers have also advanced 3D printing in space, enabling astronauts to make tools and parts on-demand. This ability is especially important in planning for missions to the Moon and Mars because additional supplies cannot quickly be sent from Earth and cargo capacity is limited. Experiments on the space station have made it possible to 3D print plastic parts and tools, and test ways to reuse waste like plastic bags and packing foam as material for 3D printers. In 2024, ESA (European Space Agency) successfully 3D printed the first metal part aboard space station, a step towards more diverse manufacturing during future missions.

Before astronauts explore new terrains, we first must collect data and imagery to better characterize the surface of these cosmic destinations. Astronauts aboard the space station have collected photographs to document Earth’s surface through Crew Earth Observations. Now, those same techniques are being adapted for Artemis II , where astronauts will use handheld cameras to capture images of the Moon’s surface—including the largely unexplored far side. These observations will increase our understanding of the lunar environment and help prepare for exploration missions.
When they land, astronauts will need shelter from radiation, debris, and contaminants. Technology demonstrations aboard the space station tested the packing techniques, protection capabilities, and venting systems of lightweight inflatable habitats. For more permanent structures, space station experiments have studied how concrete hardens in reduced gravity and tested 3D printing nozzles designed to use regolith – the dust present on the Moon and Mars- as material for constructing habitats on-site.
Robotic experiments aboard the space station are demonstrating tasks like moving objects, early detection of equipment issues, 3D sensing, and mapping. Robots could support astronauts during deep space missions by performing routine tasks, responding to hazards, and reducing the need for risky spacewalks.
Analyzing samples though DNA sequencing has historically been expensive and time intensive, limiting its use in space. Advancements have led to DNA processing aboard the space station and refined sequencing techniques. Not only can this ability potentially identify DNA-based life off Earth, but it is necessary for microbial monitoring to keep crews safe and healthy.
Communications is another important component of space exploration. NASA used the space station to demonstrate laser communications capabilities, enabling transmission of more data at faster rates. This communication could serve as a critical two-way link to keep astronauts connected to Earth as they explore deep space.

Experiments and technologies first tested aboard the space station made their way around the Moon in an uncrewed Orion vehicle during the Artemis I mission. Radiation technology verified on station confirmed that the Orion spacecraft’s design protects against harmful exposure. An identical BioSentinel experiment on both space station and Artemis I studied how yeast cells respond to different levels of space radiation.
Additionally, Moon Imagery research calibrated cameras for Orion’s navigation systems using photos of the Moon taken from space station, ensuring accurate guidance even if communication with Earth is lost.
Three experiments that landed on the Moon during Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission-1 were made possible by earlier research on the space station. These studies help improve space weather monitoring, tested computer recovery from radiation damage, and advanced lunar navigation systems.
Methods used to conduct research on the space station are making their way aboard Artemis II, a mission to place four astronauts in orbit around the Moon. Adapted from human health measurements conducted during space station missions, measurements taken on Artemis II crew will expand a repository of human health data to provide a snapshot of how spaceflight affects the human body beyond low Earth orbit. NASA researchers hope to use this data repository to develop protocols aimed at keeping astronauts healthy on missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Small devices called tissue or organ chips, used for several experiments aboard space station, will continue their scientific journey in the lunar environment. Organ-chip research could improve crew protection measures and create personalized medical treatments for humans, on Earth and in space.
The International Space Station remains a vital scientific platform, providing the foundation needed to survive and thrive as humanity ventures into the unexplored territories of our universe.
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