Next ISS National Lab Podcast Episode – Nanomaterials in Space for Patient Care on Earth

Guests Mari Anne Snow & Yupeng Chen featured on podcast, Between a Rocket & a Hard Space, official podcast of the ISS National Lab.
Media Credit: Eascra Biotech
September 25, 2025
In the latest episode of Between a Rocket & a Hard Space, the official podcast of the ISS National Lab, we explore the cutting edge of in-space manufacturing with two visionary leaders pushing the boundaries of biomedical innovation onboard the space station.
We’re joined by Yupeng Chen of the University of Connecticut and Mari Anne Snow, CEO of Eascra Biotech. The pair discuss their collaborative efforts to develop nanomaterials in microgravity that could one day revolutionize treatments for diseases ranging from cancer to osteoarthritis.
Over the past two years, their teams have conducted five investigations on the space station. Leveraging the unique conditions in low Earth orbit, the researchers showed that in-space production significantly improves the structure of the nanomaterials, which leads to better patient outcomes. These experiments are laying the groundwork for future therapies that could improve quality of life for millions.
We dive into the early origins of their work, the challenges and value of conducting biomedical research in space, and what in-space manufacturing might look like on future commercial space platforms.
Be sure to tune into the latest episode of Between a Rocket & Hard Space to learn how ISS research is benefiting humanity and driving a robust and sustainable economy in low Earth orbit.