This could lead to more effective therapies and new treatments for muscular dystrophies here.
Science minister Amanda Solloway said: "Experiments in space push the frontiers of knowledge and provide real-life benefits for the rest of us back on Earth.
"It is astonishing to think that sending worms into space could improve our health and help us lead longer lives.
"I am thrilled that UK researchers are leading this effort."
Kayser Space has developed the hardware for the experiment.
The worms will be housed in culture bags inside 24 matchbox-sized experiment containers, each containing three culture bags.
Once on board the ISS, these containers will be placed into the incubator in the station’s Columbus Module.