Henrietta Lacks never travelled to space, but her cells travelled aboard the Soviet Korabl-Sputnik 2 mission before any human entered space
Henrietta Lacks' immortal cells journeyed into space aboard Korabl-Sputnik 2 in 1960. These special cells, which grew indefinitely, were sent to study space's effects. Scientists learned microgravity increased cellular aging and cell growth rates significantly. Cancer cells in space formed three-dimensional clusters resembling human tumors. This research advanced cancer therapy for astronauts and people on Earth.
Henrietta Lacks' immortal cells journeyed into space aboard Korabl-Sputnik 2 in 1960. These special cells, which grew indefinitely, were sent to study space's effects. Scientists learned microgravity increased cellular aging and cell growth rates significantly. Cancer cells in space formed three-dimensional clusters resembling human tumors. This research advanced cancer therapy for astronauts and people on Earth.
