Robotic Surgery in Space: A Groundbreaking Success

Surgeons remotely control a robot aboard the ISS to perform the first-ever space surgery, showcasing potential for long-duration spaceflights and remote healthcare.

Ground-based surgeons successfully performed the first-ever robotic surgery in space using a robot aboard the ISS, marking a significant advancement in space and remote surgery.
The experiment involved remotely controlling a robot to perform simulated surgical operations on rubber bands, demonstrating the potential for treating medical emergencies during long-duration spaceflights.
The technology, developed by Virtual Incision and the University of Nebraska, aims to also benefit remote areas on Earth by enabling access to surgical care in locations lacking healthcare resources.
The robot, named spaceMIRA, was launched to the ISS aboard a SpaceX rocket and is designed to perform minimally invasive surgeries with precision despite the challenges of time lag in communication.
The successful demonstration paves the way for future applications of robotic-assisted surgery in space exploration and remote areas on Earth, with potential to significantly impact healthcare delivery.