The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer testing the Bioprint FirstAid experiment by German Aerospace Center, DLR, on the International Space Station during his Cosmic Kiss mission.
Matthias posted this image to his social media channels with the caption:
Could astronauts print plasters from their own skin cells? ️ We're not quite there yet, but I recently supported German Aerospace Center, DLR Bioprint FirstAid experiment on the International Space Station. This "plaster gun" is a bio-3D printer that produces a plaster-like covering for skin wounds from bio-ink. At this stage the ink is made from fluorescent microparticles rather than skin cells, but the goal is to use this technology not only in space, but also to provide personalised wound care for patients on the ground.