A Startup 3D-Prints Human Kidney and Liver Tissue in Space
A San Diego startup claims it has successfully 3D-printed human kidney and liver tissue in orbit, a first of its kind achievement. While the immediate goal is not providing spare organs, the technology offers significant potential for improved drug testing.
July 9, 2026 – 3:56 pm
Image by: Auxilium Biotechnologies
Auxilium Biotechnologies has bioprinted kidney and liver tissue aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone. The company announced this achievement on Thursday, confirming that they were the first to create these tissues in space. Furthermore, their AMP-1 orbital printer accomplished this while also producing cartilage tissue and 28 nerve-repair implants, making it the first mission to manufacture three tissue types and a multi-product manufacturing platform in orbit.
Why Print in Space?
The unique conditions of space provide an ideal environment for bioprinting. The absence of gravity allows soft living tissue to maintain its shape during the printing process, enabling even cell distribution. Dr. Anthony Atala from Wake Forest’s institute, which supplied the cells and designs, highlighted the potential of this method due to the uniform cell distribution observed in orbit.
Current Limitations and Future Prospects
It’s essential to clarify that these are not fully formed organs ready for transplantation; a functional printed kidney is still years away. The current focus lies on research, particularly the development of organoids—tiny lab-grown tissue models mimicking real organs used for drug testing. Currently, these models are sent up from Earth, but printing them in space could significantly reduce turnaround times.
Commercial Space and Beyond
Auxilium is positioning its technology for the post-ISS era, partnering with commercial space station builders like Vast and Starlab. They envision a future where 3D bioprinting is not just a research tool but a viable manufacturing method, potentially even on the Moon.
Conclusion (by Darius Popa)
The ability to grow human tissue in space presents exciting possibilities for drug testing and could revolutionize how we approach organ transplantation. This breakthrough is a testament to the innovative spirit of startups and the potential of commercial space exploration.