On Feb 10, 2024, spaceMIRA, a surgical robot by Virtual Incision and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, completed a successful surgery simulation on the International Space Station.

spaceMIRA was remotely controlled by surgeons from the U.S., showcasing the feasibility of long-distance tele-surgical operations, both in space and on Earth.

The robot's successful operation aboard the ISS marks its first test in space, hinting at its use for medical emergencies on long spaceflights, and for remote areas and battlefields on Earth.

spaceMIRA, guided by Earth-based surgeons, performed a simulated dissection in space, demonstrating its capabilities for complex surgical tasks.

The project, taking two years of development to adapt for space conditions, was supported by NASA grants and culminated in a launch to the ISS on Jan. 30, 2024.

Following the successful space test, Virtual Incision plans to commercialize the technology, potentially transforming healthcare with robot-ready operating rooms and addressing surgeon shortages.