After eight months aboard the International Space Station for his first mission, NASA astronaut Chris Williams is preparing to return to Earth. During his assignment, Williams contributed to research into new cancer treatments, advanced the production of materials to improve computers and electronics, ventured into the vacuum of space to complete two spacewalks, and much more. Williams’ work aboard the space station helped improve life on Earth and prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Here are some of the research highlights of their mission:

NASA astronaut Chris Williams and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot are working to process DNA-inspired materials that could advance new cancer treatments for people on Earth. In space, these rod-shaped materials form more uniformly and consistently, which can improve their performance and readiness for treatments on Earth. While there have been significant advances in cancer therapies, many treatments can affect the entire body and cause side effects without fully treating solid tumors. This research aims to enable targeted cancer therapies that reach deep into tumors, stay in the body longer, and release the drug in a more controlled manner.

Learn more about DNA Nano Therapeutics-3.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams conducts research to grow semiconductor crystals in space. In microgravity, researchers can grow more crystals of the desired size than can be produced on Earth. Previous research shows that space-grown crystals can offer higher performance to help advance technologies such as high-performance computers, artificial intelligence and medical devices. This research lays the foundation for commercial semiconductor manufacturing in space and advances the semiconductor industry.

Learn more about the in-space production of semimetallic composite bulk crystals and semiconductors in microgravity (SUBSA-InSPA-SSCug).

NASA astronaut Chris Williams looks out a dome window at a red aurora shining over Earth. Since the 1960s, astronauts have photographed Earth from space to help scientists monitor changing landscapes, natural disasters, and other features of the planet over time. Along the way, astronauts have also captured images of celestial objects such as comets, auroras, and the Milky Way.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams works with a special freezer aboard the International Space Station that keeps research samples at ultracold temperatures until they can return to Earth. Throughout each mission, astronauts collect biological samples such as blood and urine to help scientists understand how long-duration spaceflight affects the human body. Observing crew members during their space missions and studying these frozen samples on Earth helps NASA protect the health of astronauts during future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Learn more about the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for the International Space Station (MELFI) and human research.

NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams watch from the dome windows as Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft approaches the International Space Station. The two played key roles in capturing the spacecraft, which delivered approximately 11,000 pounds of supplies, including fresh food, life support equipment and scientific research as part of NASA’s Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services mission 24. Cargo missions help keep the space station running and provide astronauts with the supplies they need to live, work, and conduct research in orbit.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams is working on research testing the use of ultraviolet light to help prevent the formation of microbial colonies, called biofilms. Biofilms can clog and contaminate water systems, damage equipment, and pose health risks to astronauts. This research aims to keep surfaces cleaner and safeguard systems during long-duration space missions. Using UV light for sanitation could also reduce the need for chemical disinfectants in space, decreasing the risk of chemical exposure and eliminating difficulties in transporting or storing supplies.

Learn more about germicidal ultraviolet light biofilm inhibition (GULBI).

NASA astronaut Chris Williams ventured outside the International Space Station for two spacewalks during his mission. In June, he helped repair Canadarm2, a robotic arm that captures cargo spacecraft and conducts external research. In March, Williams prepared the orbital laboratory to add new solar panels to the station for a future spacewalk. Once installed, the final array of deployable solar panels on the International Space Station (IROSA) will complete the entire additional solar array, increasing the station’s power generation by approximately 30% and improving support for scientific research and daily operations. The same solar panel technology also powered NASA’s double asteroid redirection test and could support future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Learn more about the space station’s IROSAs.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams works with hardware to support the development of new cancer and disease treatments by studying the growth of protein crystals for pharmaceuticals. In space, protein crystals form higher quality structures than on Earth, allowing researchers to better understand how to target and treat diseases. Here, Williams is working on a project that aims to develop a new formula for a cancer treatment that could be taken orally. Growing protein crystals in space paves the way for more commercial companies to create new therapies that could improve outcomes for patients on Earth.

Learn more about the Space Pharmaceutical Laboratory (ADSEP-PIL-10).

NASA astronaut Chris Williams works with equipment testing the performance of small robotic arms in space. Some experiments and operations require very precise movements, where small errors can significantly affect the results. Understanding how microgravity affects delicate robotic operations helps researchers improve designs of future automated systems that can perform operations while astronauts focus on the most critical tasks.

Learn more about the testing facilities for the laboratory automation system at Kibo (TUSK).