European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA are collaborating to improve access to valuable biological data collected from space exploration. On March 11, 2026, the two agencies will host a seminar focused on how ESA’s omics data is shared, curated, and accessed through NASA’s Open Science Data Repository (OSDR). This initiative aims to foster greater collaboration and accelerate discoveries in the field of space biology and aerospace medicine.
The seminar comes as both agencies increasingly recognize the importance of “omics” data – encompassing genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other fields – in understanding how life adapts to the harsh conditions of space. Analyzing these complex datasets can provide insights into the physiological changes experienced by astronauts during spaceflight, as well as the potential for life beyond Earth. The sharing of this data is a critical step in maximizing the scientific return from space missions and advancing our understanding of the universe.
Seminar Details and Focus
The ESA-NASA Omics Data Sharing Seminar will take place from 16:00-18:00 Central European Time (CET) on March 11, 2026. According to astrobiology.com, the seminar will cover key aspects of the data sharing process, including exploration of data through the Human and Robotic Exploration Data Archive (HREDA), and an introduction to NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) research in space exploration. The event will also provide an overview of NASA’s Open Science Data Repository.
NASA’s Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) and SOMA
NASA’s OSDR plays a central role in this collaboration. The OSDR is the primary platform for storing and disseminating space biology data, and it has recently been bolstered by the release of the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) package. Released in June 2024, SOMA represents the largest-ever collection of data for aerospace medicine and space biology. The SOMA package is the result of collaborative efforts involving over 100 institutions from more than 25 countries.
The SOMA package includes data from the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian crew to orbit Earth at an altitude of 575 km – higher than the International Space Station (ISS). This data is particularly valuable because it provides insights into the effects of spaceflight on individuals who are not professional astronauts, and at a different orbital altitude than typically studied. The data from Inspiration4, along with data from the NASA Twins Study, is accessible through new data portals linked to the OSDR, facilitating comprehensive analysis.
ESA’s Role and GeneLab
ESA is actively involved in utilizing NASA’s space biology infrastructure, particularly the GeneLab facility. According to ESA’s SciSpacE portal, GeneLab is described as the “world leading space biology facility for generating, processing, and storing –omic datasets for space biology.” ESA’s Topical Team on Space Omics supports ESA member state scientists participating in GeneLab and explores future collaborative activities. Current efforts include bi-lateral cooperation on experiments, co-authorship on research, and integrating human biology datasets into GeneLab. Potential future activities include establishing ESA-supported GeneLab infrastructure and incorporating GeneLab-based experiments into new launch platforms.
The collaboration between ESA and NASA on omics data sharing represents a significant step forward in space biology research. By making data more accessible and fostering international cooperation, the agencies are paving the way for new discoveries that could benefit both space exploration and human health on Earth.
Looking ahead, the seminar on March 11th will be a key event in solidifying these data sharing practices and identifying opportunities for further collaboration. The continued development of platforms like the OSDR and GeneLab will be crucial for managing and analyzing the growing volume of omics data generated from space missions. The insights gained from this research will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration and our understanding of life in the universe.
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