Small But Mighty Lab Device Could Transform NASA Research
NASA
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking piece of lab equipment, no larger than a cellphone, has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission. This microplate reader, designed for biological research, is set to revolutionize how experiments are conducted in space by providing real-time data directly from the ISS.NASA's Commercially Enabled Rapid Science in Space (CERISS) initiative is behind this project, which aims to accelerate space science by leveraging off-the-shelf technology. The device’s compact size and versatility make it a game-changer for future missions, enabling astronauts to perform advanced biological tests without relying on
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Originally published on NASA on 2/19/2026