CORM investigates the use of Coenzyme Q10 to protect astronauts from retinal lesions caused by exposure to radiation and microgravity aboard the space station. The experiment uses cultured human retinal cells to examine the effects of radiation and microgravity and test potential protective effects of Coenzyme Q10. In addition to being an effective antioxidant, Coenzyme Q10 was shown to protect cells against excessive programmed cell death.

Crew members living on board the International Space Station (ISS) are exposed to cosmic radiation and microgravity that are responsible for the induction of retinal lesions. Radiation and microgravity represent two of the greatest risks to the human body for long‐term exploration missions.

Results obtained by CORM project are of fundamental importance for the development of pharmacological countermeasures for the prevention of retinal lesions that occur in the crew members during long‐term missions