SpaceX Inspiration4: Stool Metagenome Profiles from Astronauts

Stool metagenome data was collected from four private astronauts on the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission in September 2021. Samples were gathered pre-flight and post-flight using OMNIgene•GUT tubes. The data is hosted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Use Cases

• Analyze changes in gut microbiome composition based on pre-flight and post-flight sampling time points.
• Study the effects of short-duration spaceflight on astronaut health via metagenomic profiles.
• Compare stool metagenome data with related skin, oral, and nasal datasets from the same mission.

Strengths

• Data is linked to a specific, documented spaceflight mission (Inspiration4, September 2021).
• Samples were collected at defined time points (L-92, L-44, R+45, R+82) relative to the flight.
• Associated datasets from the same mission are identified (OSD-572, OSD-573, OSD-574).

Limitations

• Row count and dataset scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The primary file format is listed as BIN, which may require specialized tools for access and analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Biospecimen samples collected from crew before, during, and after the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission.

Time Range

Samples collected pre-flight and post-flight in 2021.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 19:45:25.244860; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Samples collected in relation to a low Earth orbit spaceflight.