How many astronauts are currently in space?:From 3D-printed human tissues to spacewalks — an insight into research being undertaken on ISS

As humans continue to explore space, astronauts living hundreds of kilometres above Earth are conducting experiments that could help scientists understand human health, grow plants in challenging environments and develop technologies for future space missions. As of October 29, 2026, 10 people are in space, with seven aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and three aboard China’s Tiangong space station. Their work includes medical research, experiments involving human cells, plant growth studies and the testing of advanced space technologies. But what exactly are these astronauts doing in space? How many people can the ISS accommodate, and is an Indian astronaut currently living aboard it? Here’s everything you need to know. How many astronauts are in space right now? There are currently 10 people living and working in space, according to current crew-tracking information. Seven of them are aboard the International Space Station, while the other three are aboard China’s Tiangong space station. The ISS is a multinational research laboratory operated through international partnerships involving NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. China operates Tiangong independently as part of its own human spaceflight programme. Both stations orbit Earth, allowing astronauts to conduct experiments in microgravity, an environment in which objects appear to float because they are in continuous free fall around the planet. How many astronauts can the International Space Station hold? The International Space Station (ISS) typically hosts a crew of seven astronauts, but the number can temporarily rise to 11–14 people during crew rotations or visiting missions. The ISS is a large orbital laboratory with living quarters, scientific laboratories, exercise equipment, robotic systems and facilities for maintaining essential services such as air, water and power. It travels around Earth at approximately 28,000 kilometres per hour and completes an orbit roughly every 90 minutes. The station has been continuously occupied since November 2000, making it an important platform for studying how humans and scientific equipment behave during long periods in space. What research are astronauts conducting on the ISS right now? The ISS functions as a laboratory where researchers can investigate phenomena that are difficult to study under normal conditions on Earth. Here are some of the important research activities taking place during the current expedition. 1. Printing human tissues in space
One of the important research areas aboard the ISS is bioprinting, a process that uses living cells and biological materials to create tissue-like structures. During October 2026, NASA astronauts have been working with equipment designed to print human tissues, including blood vessel tissue, using cells derived from human stem cells. Scientists are studying how human stem cells grow and organise themselves in microgravity, where the absence of normal gravitational effects may help produce delicate biological structures.
The research could improve disease modelling, drug testing and personalised medicine. However, printing functional replacement organs for routine medical use remains a long-term goal. 2. Studying how space affects the human body Microgravity affects astronauts’ bodies, causing changes in fluid distribution, muscle activity, blood circulation and eye health. Researchers aboard the ISS monitor these changes through medical imaging and health assessments to understand the effects of long-duration spaceflight.
The findings could help scientists develop ways to protect astronauts on future missions to the Moon and Mars, while also improving understanding of certain health conditions on Earth. 3. Finding better ways to grow plants in space
Growing food is a major challenge for long-duration space missions, as astronauts cannot rely entirely on supplies from Earth. Researchers aboard the ISS study how plants grow in microgravity and how limited resources can be used to cultivate food. 4. Testing medical devices and monitoring astronaut health Astronauts need reliable medical equipment because immediate access to hospitals is not possible in space. Researchers are testing portable diagnostic tools that can measure vital signs, analyse biological samples and help detect health problems.
These technologies could support astronauts on future missions to the Moon and Mars, where communication delays and limited medical resources may make treatment more challenging. 5. Upgrading the station’s solar power system The ISS needs sufficient power to run its equipment and support scientific research. On October 29, NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk are scheduled to conduct a spacewalk to install a roll-out solar array. Astronauts wear specialised spacesuits during spacewalks to provide oxygen, temperature control and protection. The new solar arrays are expected to boost the station’s power-generation capacity by up to 30%, from around 160 kilowatts to 215 kilowatts, supporting station operations and future research. Also read: Apple launches its first touchscreen MacBook Pro in India: Dynamic Island comes to Mac along with M5 chips; know who should consider buying

What are astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station doing?

China’s Tiangong space station serves as a laboratory for research in microgravity, with a typical crew of three astronauts. Their work covers space biology, human health, materials science and physical processes in microgravity.
The experiments help scientists understand how living organisms and materials respond to space conditions and support the development of technologies for future space missions. Is an Indian astronaut in space right now?
As of October 29, 2026, no Indian astronaut representing India’s space programme is currently aboard the ISS. However, NASA astronaut Anil Menon, who is aboard the station, has Indian heritage. He is a NASA astronaut, not an Indian astronaut serving on behalf of ISRO. India’s most recent astronaut to visit the ISS was Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who flew as the mission pilot of Axiom Mission 4 in June 2025. Also read: Haven’t made your PowerPoint presentations until last minute?: Try these 3 quick and simple methods using ChatGPT to make lengthy PPTs effortlessly

What does this mean for India’s future space missions? India’s Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate the country’s ability to send astronauts into low Earth orbit and bring them safely back to Earth. India also plans to develop the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, a proposed space station.
Building an Indian space station will also require reliable launch vehicles, docking systems, power supplies and life-support technology.