Ignis science

During the Ignis mission, Sławosz will carry out 13 experiments proposed by Polish companies and institutions and developed together with ESA. Grouped into four key areas, this mission will contribute to advancing our understanding of human health, technology, materials science and biotechnology in space, while offering solutions and insights that can also benefit life on Earth. 

Human research

Space is a harsh environment that can have significant effects on the human body, making it essential to understand how it impacts astronauts’ lives and work in orbit.  

Focusing on physical health, the Human Gut Microbiota experiment will explore how space affects digestion by looking at the bacteria in astronauts' systems. To monitor how the body changes in space, Mollis Textus (AstroPerformance) will examine muscles and tendons, while Immune Multiomics will study shifts in immune cells and gene activity to understand how the immune system adapts in orbit. 

Understanding how astronauts’ minds and brains function in space is also a priority. The EEG Neurofeedback experiment will explore how brain stimulation can reduce stress and improve performance—vital for astronauts face isolation and pressure during long missions. AstroMentalHealth will track mood and overall mental wellbeing throughout the mission, and PhotonGrav will study how the brain can control computers directly through thought, using near-infrared light to monitor attention and focus, without moving a muscle.   

Wireless Acoustics, will ensure astronauts’ comfort and safety by testing a new way to monitor sound levels using wireless sensors connected to the station’s medical system. 

Technology demonstrations

The International Space Station also serves as a testbed for future space technologies. Experiments in orbit help develop smarter, more autonomous systems essential for exploring the Moon, Mars and beyond. 

LeopardISS will test artificial intelligence in space that could help rovers navigate and make quicker, smarter decisions on their own, without needing to rely on Earth.

Meanwhile, RadMon-on-ISS will monitor radiation levels and their effect on electronic chips, supporting the development of more resilient systems for satellites and future space missions. 

Material science

Space exposes materials to extreme temperatures, radiation and microgravity—all of which can affect their performance. The MXene in LEO experiment will test a promising nanomaterial that could be used in wearable tech, such as a heart rate-monitoring wristband, to support astronaut health. Studying these materials in orbit is essential to developing reliable, high-performance tools for future missions. 

Biotechnology

Supporting life far from Earth will also depend on biological solutions for food, oxygen, medicine and materials.  

The Space Volcanic Algae experiment will test resilient algae from volcanic regions to see how they can survive and produce oxygen in space—key for future life support systems on long missions.  

The space environment can also cause medicine to expire faster than on Earth. The Stability of Drugs experiment will study how much the shelf life of common medications can be extended by storing them in a polymer carrier, similar to a plastic wrapper, during long-duration space missions.  

Yeast TardigradeGene will explore whether yeast enhanced with a protein from the ultra-resilient tardigrade can survive harsh space conditions, opening doors to food and fuel production away from home.

These experiments are essential steps toward enabling longer, safer and more sustainable human spaceflight. Many of the discoveries made in orbit could lead to advances in everyday life on Earth. 

Stay tuned for more science updates on the Ignis website during the mission.