The Stem Cell Podcast

Ep. 312: “Biomanufacturing in Space” Featuring Dr. Pinar Mesci

Jan 20, 2026

Dr. Pinar Mesci, Global Head of Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology at Axiom Space, blends organoid neuroscience with space biology. She recounts moving from brain organoids to studying microgravity effects. Topics include in‑orbit biomanufacturing, how microgravity alters disease models and drug testing, and tech transfer from low Earth orbit back to Earth.

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ADVICE

Network To Enter New Fields

Network and maintain relationships because opportunities in emerging fields often come through contacts.
Pinar urged trainees to leverage transferable lab skills when transitioning into space industry roles.

INSIGHT

Repeat Missions Enable Robust Science

Repeated private missions create robust, publishable datasets that overcome single-flight limitations.
Using commercial off-the-shelf hardware eases comparison to terrestrial experiments and accelerates reproducibility.

INSIGHT

Microgravity Accelerates Disease Modeling

Microgravity can reveal or amplify disease phenotypes and speed disease modeling.
That acceleration makes space a compelling environment for drug screening and mechanistic discovery.

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