At the First Russian Space Forum, experts discussed how the private sector and modern technologies are reshaping approaches to the exploration of outer space. The session moderator, Yusef Khesuani, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, 3D Bioprinting Solutions, noted that today the task of business is “to make the distant simple”, transforming space from an unattainable concept into a sphere in which every consumer can feel involved. The Forum is organized by the State Corporation Roscosmos with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The operator is the Roscongress Foundation.
One of the central points of the discussion was highlighted by Oleg Kononenko, Pilot-Cosmonaut; Hero of the Russian Federation; Head, Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Center; Commander of the Cosmonaut Corps, Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities. He emphasized that life in orbit is, above all, demanding work in a hostile environment, where even the simplest everyday actions require significant adaptation. He pointed to an existing barrier: while state contractors are constrained by strict standards, consumer businesses can offer rapid iteration, scalability and flexibility. “We are not merely present in space, we work there. It is time to create an open registry of cosmonauts’ needs. Today, businesses often do not know what exactly we require. A unified digital platform outlining these needs would allow entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions more quickly”, Kononenko stated. He also proposed developing modern regulatory frameworks for food processing, noting that involving crews as co-creators at the development stage would enable businesses to produce high-quality products while minimizing risks, which are extremely high in orbit.
“For people in space, under harsh conditions, the feeling of Earth and home is very important. Food and drink are sources of pleasure and psychological stability. These are rituals that accompany us every day”, noted Marina Kotik, Creative Director at Kofemania. The company began cooperation with Roscosmos six months ago. To implement the project, freeze-drying technology was used, preserving the aroma of beverages. Due to physiological changes in space, specialists had to develop unique formulations: flavours in orbit must be twice as intense as on Earth. The company plans to expand its product line and create desserts for International Space Station crews.
“The requirements placed on humans are gradually decreasing, as technologies allow the necessary physiological conditions to be achieved regardless of baseline characteristics. Space medicine provides extensive opportunities for developing standards on Earth”, said Dmitry Fadin, Director of Strategic Development and Innovations, INVITRO. The expert spoke about long-term cooperation with the space sector and experiments involving human microtissues in microgravity. The discussion also addressed technology transfer, noting that many processes, including pharmaceutical production, can be more efficient and cost-effective in orbit than on Earth.
Anastasia Nidziy, Brand Director BIOMED, SPLAT GLOBAL, stated: “For us, innovation is about surprising both ourselves and our customers. It is often young specialists who create something truly ‘cosmic’. Working with cosmonauts should not be about testing, but about co-development”. The company actively engages young professionals, with an average team age under 35, to develop innovative products. One such development is toothpaste in tablet form, which requires no water, a critical advantage in orbital conditions. A technology based on singlet oxygen for gentle enamel cleaning was also presented.
“We would like our cosmonauts to try a turkey steak. It is rich in protein, contains more phosphorus than fish, and tryptophan contributes to the synthesis of the happiness hormone. This is a functional product that we are ready to refine together with crews”, said Daria Lashchenko, First Deputy General Director for Marketing and Sales, Damate Group. She emphasized that modern technologies make it possible to give turkey meat any flavour through the use of spices. The company’s R&D team is ready to collaborate with cosmonauts to develop specialized menus that provide not only energy but also emotional comfort.
“For any company seeking to awaken its internal cultural code, it is worth trying to create something for space. Our philosophy became the precursor of all cosmonautics. Today we speak of ‘New Cosmism’, an approach in which space becomes not merely a platform for survival or expansion, но a tool for addressing global ethical challenges”, emphasized Sergey Ivanov, Executive Director, Member of the Board of Directors, EFKO Management Company.
He noted that in space, the only viable form of existence is constructive cooperation. According to him, venturing beyond the planet helps people remember what it means to live and work together towards a shared goal.
Summing up the session, participants agreed that establishing a direct connection between manufacturers and cosmonauts would improve everyday life in orbit and provide crews with high-quality clothing, food and hygiene products that meet modern terrestrial standards. The First Russian Space Forum is held as part of Space Week 2026.
