Outlook: Future Potential of Biotechnology Research in Space

Abstract

As has been shown in the previous chapters, biotechnology research in space has led to significant scientific breakthroughs and technological developments with great application potential. This is true for protein crystallization: here, significant progress in structure determination of certain molecules could be achieved with the help of improved crystals grown in space thereby supporting drug discovery and design. It is also true for certain aspects of cell biology; here, not only the basic understanding of gravity perception, transduction and response is in the focus of the scientists, but also the application of the results for tissue engineering and cancer research. The perspectives for the exploration era and for health research are discussed in some detail taking also into account that the utilization of the International Space Station ISS is secured until at least 2024.