"Groundbreaking: Remote Surgical Robot Successfully Operates in Space"
Surgeons on Earth remotely operated a small surgical robot called spaceMIRA aboard the International Space Station, marking the first-ever space surgery, albeit on rubber bands. The successful experiment represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology, which could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-duration space missions and potentially benefit remote areas on Earth. The robot, developed by Virtual Incision and the University of Nebraska, was controlled from Earth with a time lag of about 0.85 seconds, demonstrating the potential for remote-control surgery techniques. NASA provided financial support for the project, recognizing the increasing need for emergency care, including surgical procedures, during longer space missions.