SpaceX Delivers Miniature Brain Models, 3D Heart Tissue and Artificial-Retina Equipment to Space Station

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft docked at the International Space Station on October 15, 2026, on the company's 35th commercial resupply mission (CRS-35) for NASA, delivering over 6,300 pounds of supplies and scientific equipment to the Expedition 75 crew. The biological cargo included three-dimensional brain organoids — miniature models of brain tissue grown from human cells — intended to advance research into Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Scientists believe the microgravity environment of the ISS accelerates organoid growth and disease modelling in ways that cannot be replicated on Earth. Also on board were three-dimensional cardiac tissue models for drug testing and equipment for manufacturing artificial retinas in space, where the absence of gravity allows for more uniform cell growth that could eventually restore vision. Additional experiments explored how novel glass types form in microgravity. The spacecraft also delivered the final set of roll-out solar arrays (IROSAs) for installation on the station later in 2026. Dragon is expected to remain docked until mid-November before splashing down off California's coast with time-sensitive research samples. The mission was jointly covered by NASA and Mount Sinai, whose researchers led several of the biological experiments.