The spaceMIRA robot before being sent to the ISS.
According to Phys.org on February 15, doctors used a surgical robot called spaceMIRA, which was researched and developed by the University of Nebraska (USA) in collaboration with the company Virtual Incision in the same state.
The spaceMIRA robot was launched to the ISS in late January and was recently installed on the space station by American astronaut Loral O'Hara on February 8th.
The test was conducted on February 10th from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska.
For approximately two hours, a total of six surgeons participated in the trial using a robot equipped with one camera and two arms.
"The experiment tests standard anatomical techniques such as grasping, manipulating, and cutting tissue, simulated using rubber bands," said Virtual Incision.
In the video clip shared by Virtual Incision, one robotic arm uses forceps to hold and stretch a rubber band, while the other arm uses scissors to cut it, mimicking the action of surgery.
The biggest challenge the doctors faced during the surgery was the time delay of approximately 0.85 seconds in transmitting commands from the ground control center to the ISS.
The experiment was a resounding success, marking a new milestone in the development of space surgery techniques essential for multi-year journeys such as to Mars.
The new technology could also be used for remote surgeries on Earth, serving remote areas of the globe.
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