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Growing Better Medicines in Space: The ADSEP-PIL-11 Experiment

Liftoff! of the Cygnus CRS-2 NG-23 Falcon 9 rocket
Liftoff! of the Cygnus CRS-2 NG-23 Falcon 9 rocket

In space, crystals can grow differently than on Earth. The ADSEP-PIL-11 (Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory – 11) investigation is growing pharmaceutical crystals aboard the International Space Station to improve drugs that may treat cancer.  This experiment launched on the Cygnus CRS-2 NG-23, which launched on September 14, 2025. On Earth, gravity affects how crystals form, sometimes creating imperfections. In microgravity, crystals can grow more uniformly, giving scientists a clearer picture of their structure, properties, and function.

A close-up view of sodium chloride crystals in a water bubble within a metal loop was photographed by an Expedition Six crewmember. The experiment took place in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).
A close-up view of sodium chloride crystals in a water bubble within a metal loop was photographed by an Expedition Six crewmember. The experiment took place in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).

What’s the problem?

Making effective drugs depends on understanding how molecules form crystals. On Earth, gravity can cause uneven growth, which can limit the stability or effectiveness of a medicine. By studying crystals in space, researchers can explore ways to make drugs stronger, more consistent, and potentially more effective against diseases like cancer.

What’s being tested?

The experiment uses Redwire’s PIL-BOX SMALS system aboard the ISS, which includes an integrated microscope and specialized solvent handling. This setup allows scientists to monitor crystal growth in real time and adjust seed crystals to optimize their formation.

The study is asking questions like:

·       Can growing crystals in microgravity create more uniform, stable molecules?

·       How can insights from space-grown crystals improve manufacturing back on Earth?

Applications on Earth

Lessons from ADSEP-PIL-11 could refine drug manufacturing, enhance formulations, and ultimately help patients receive safer, more effective treatments. Understanding crystal formation in microgravity may also open the door to new medicines that are difficult to produce on Earth.

Why test it in space?

Microgravity removes the interference of gravity on crystal growth, allowing scientists to see how molecules truly organize. This knowledge can:

·       Improve the production of next-generation medicines for astronauts on long missions.

·       Provide insights that strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing on Earth.

·       Enable discoveries that could make cancer treatments more effective and reliable.

Why it matters

If successful, ADSEP-PIL-11 could lead to better cancer drugs and demonstrate the unique value of the ISS for biotechnology. Just like other space experiments, what we learn in orbit has the potential to benefit people all over the planet.

 

References

ISS National Laboratory. (n.d.). Advanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP). International Space Station National Laboratory. Retrieved September 21, 2025, from https://issnationallab.org/facilities/advanced-space-experiment-processor/

NASA. (2025, September 14). NASA science, cargo launches aboard Northrop Grumman CRS-23. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-science-cargo-launches-aboard-northrop-grumman-crs-23/

Redwire Space. (2023, June 6). Redwire successfully returns fourth batch of pharmaceutical crystals to Earth, paving the way for pharmaceutical breakthroughs. Redwire Space. https://redwirespace.com/newsroom/redwire-successfully-returns-fourth-batch-of-pharmaceutical-crystals-to-earth-paving-the-way-for-pharmaceutical-breakthroughs/

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