About the Center

The Houston Methodist Center for Orbital Sciences, Medicine, Innovation & Care (COSMIC) builds on a legacy shaped by decades of partnership with NASA and leadership in medical excellence. Our mission is to advance space medicine through innovative research and healthcare solutions that support astronauts and space travelers, while translating these discoveries to improve patient care here on Earth. 

 

Through collaboration, education and scientific research, we aim to ensure the health and well-being of humanity as we explore and thrive in the cosmos — in total alignment with Houston Methodist’s commitment to innovation and compassionate care.

 

The center focuses on four main pillars of expertise:

  • Research and Innovation – We conduct groundbreaking research to transform healthcare in space and on Earth, advancing innovations to improve lives everywhere.
  • healthcare Solutions and Advancements – We develop tailored healthcare solutions for space travelers and patients in our local communities, delivering innovation where it is needed most.
  • Education and Training – We customize training programs to prepare healthcare professionals for the unique challenges of space medicine.
  • Collaborations and Partnerships – We build strategic partnerships to drive meaningful impact together, collaborating with academic institutions, space agencies and industry leaders to advance our mission.
 

Our Directors

Doctors mcculloch and grattoni

Patrick C. McCulloch, MD
John S. Dunn Chair in Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Vice-Chairman, Department of Orthopedic Surgery

 

“The creation of COSMIC brings together a core group of clinicians and scientists with a wealth of experience in the aerospace field. This center will allow Houston Methodist to leverage what we learn from space to improve care to our patients on Earth.”

 

Alessandro Grattoni, PhD
Frank J. and Jean Raymond Centennial Chair, Houston Methodist | Professor of Nanomedicine, Academic Institute | Member, Research Institute | Center for BioNanoengineering | Professor, Department of Surgery and Department of Radiation Oncology | Houston Methodist Hospital

 

“For years, Houston Methodist has leveraged microgravity on the International Space Station to unlock scientific breakthroughs unfeasible on Earth. Today, COSMIC provides the framework to turn those orbital insights into the next generation of biomedical technologies. As a collaborative hub, we unite our clinical and preclinical expertise with extramural partners to lead the next wave of space-based research, while creating a foundation for the future generation of scientists and clinicians to carry this mission forward.”

 

 

Our Research

At COSMIC, our research spans the full spectrum of space medicine — from understanding how the human body adapts to microgravity to developing technologies that protect astronaut health during long-duration missions.

 

Our work is grounded in scientific excellence and driven by a singular goal: Empower humanity to thrive in space and leverage discoveries into meaningful advancements in patient care on Earth.

  • Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) & Neuro-Ophthalmology

    COSMIC is at the forefront of research into SANS, a condition affecting vision and ocular structures during spaceflight. Our researchers study the underlying mechanisms of optic disc edema, globe flattening and other neuro-ophthalmic changes, while advancing diagnostic imaging, artificial intelligence models and targeted countermeasures to better predict, monitor and mitigate risk while in orbit.

  • Ocular Health, Injury & Vision Performance in Space

    Beyond SANS, we investigate how microgravity, radiation and environmental factors impact overall eye health and visual performance. Our research includes corneal injury and healing, ocular surface disease, refractive changes and visual acuity — helping inform both astronaut safety and new approaches to ophthalmic care on Earth.

  • Human Physiology & Systemic Health in Space

    Spaceflight affects nearly every system in the body. COSMIC researchers study the broader physiological effects of microgravity, including changes in metabolism, hematologic health, brain physiology and fluid distribution. These insights deepen our understanding of human adaptation in extreme environments while informing care for patients with complex conditions.

  • Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Translational Innovation

    We leverage advanced technologies — including artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality and noninvasive monitoring tools — to transform how astronaut health is assessed and managed. From machine-learning models that detect early disease patterns to wearable diagnostic systems, our innovations are designed to improve care in space and accelerate breakthroughs in terrestrial medicine.

  • Astronaut Healthcare & Mission Readiness

    COSMIC supports the full continuum of astronaut care, from preflight evaluation to in-flight monitoring and post-mission recovery. Our research helps shape clinical protocols, safety measures and countermeasures that enable safer, longer and more complex space missions while advancing best practices in preventive and precision medicine — in orbit and on Earth.

COSMIC Center News

Houston Methodist Teams Up with NASA to Probe Spaceflight’s Impact on Sinonasal Health
What happens to your sinuses in space? This study examines nearly two decades of medical records from astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Dr. Andrew Lee Explains Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome
In this whiteboard video, a Houston Methodist neuro-ophthalmologist explores this medical phenomenon unique to space travelers: SANS, a condition that causes temporary vision degradation while in space.
SANS Expert Identifies Top Medical Challenges Associated With Mars Voyage
Potential health concerns face individuals tasked with making the longest and furthest trek into space thus far. Houston Methodist experts and NASA address the primary health challenges and risks that astronauts face on extended spaceflights.
Nano Doses Delivered in Space
Study by nanomedicine researcher Alessandro Grattoni, PhD, explores potential biomedical applications at the International Space Station (ISS).
Keeping An Eye on The Sky

Houston Methodist researcher achieves dream of working with NASA to improve astronauts’ eye health.

Spaceflight, Sinuses, and the Expanding Role of Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology has a unique and growing role in the multidisciplinary care of humans in extreme environments. Our expertise will help shape the health standards of future astronauts and even space tourists. 

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