We are excited to announce that Spinsplit is part of the HUNOR Hungarian Astronaut Program, contributing to the technological demonstration of an innovative medical device designed to help protect astronauts’ vision during space missions.

Illustration of the vision loss caused by Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)

Astronauts often suffer from SANS (Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome) – a condition caused by fluids shifting toward the upper body in microgravity, increasing pressure inside the skull and eyes. This can lead to swelling, optic nerve compression, and progressive vision loss. Eye drops, the standard treatment on Earth, are difficult to apply in space and often unstable over long missions.

Spinsplit has developed a solid ophthalmic insert using advanced electrospinning technology as project leader, in collaboration with Semmelweis University, Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Hungarotrial LLC. Roughly the size of a grain of rice, this insert is placed into the lower eyelid, where it dissolves within minutes and gradually releases therapeutic agents directly onto the eye surface. This new drug delivery method may prove safer, easier, and more precise than eye drops, especially in space.

Close up of the ophthalmic insert, identical to the ones to be delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) in the frame of the Axiom 4 mission

The insert will undergo daily in-orbit evaluation for one week. Vision performance will be documented using advanced imaging methods before launch and after return. Additional insert variants will also be evaluated in orbit for future development.

If successful, this innovation could not only help astronauts but also revolutionise everyday patient care on Earth. A single daily solid insert may serve as an effective alternative to frequent eye drop administration, improving convenience, precision, and sustainability.

We are proud to contribute to the HUNOR mission in its pursuit of scientific and medical advancement in space.

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TO SPINFINITY AND BEYOND!