Dr Alsaleh called it “exciting and important”.

“We know that the elderly population has increased on earth, which is a very good thing – to increase the life span,” she said.

“The main issue that these people mostly suffer from is different age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s or even osteoarthritis.”

She said the idea for the project came from observing astronauts experiencing pain in their joints, muscles and immune system after a short time spent in the ISS.

“This is similar to what elderly people suffer on earth after a long period,” Dr Alsaleh said.

If the samples age more quickly in space, scientists will learn more about the process far faster than they would if studying samples on Earth.

It is hoped that will lead to new treatments for age-related diseases.

She said: “This would have a great impact for people here, but also for the astronauts.”

If the gathered data was positive, they might have “a great achievement” in two years’ time, she added.