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Chennai: A small Indian space laboratory will soon be launched to demonstrate its ability to conduct biological experiments in microgravity. The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is collaborating and funding a space startup Vellon Space to demonstrate a miniature space laboratory called ‘AsteriX Lab’ in orbit by 2025. The laboratory, during the in-orbit demonstration, will undergo space qualification to conduct experiments biological as long-duration cell culture in low Earth microgravity. A statement says the collaboration aims to advance extraterrestrial manufacturing research and development and marks a milestone in orbital “microgravity research.” The IIT Madras centre, called Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM-IITM), will be the pilot customer for the orbit mission. “This demonstration sows the seed for biomanufacturing in space that can revolutionize cell culture and drug development processes in space, ultimately leading to better pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes,” said Professor Sathyan Subbiah, coordinator of ExTeM-IIT Madras. The professor added that they are conducting ground tests, after which the laboratory design will be ready for launch after another round of ground tests. tests with the revised laboratory design. The laboratory, which will remain in orbit for about a week, will be remotely controlled and will have sensors and data measurement systems for experiments and data transfer. The IITM Research Laboratory is a group of researchers focusing on developing technologies that will enable products and assemblies to be manufactured in space, for space use and for use on Earth, which is currently a gap in manufacturing research. related to space. Professor GK Suraishkumar, co-principal investigator of ExTeM Phase 02, said the collaboration could include advances in understanding the effects of microgravity on biological systems, innovations in drug development processes and the creation of commercial opportunities in the space technology sector. “There is a strategic alignment of expertise and resources in this partnership. This joint effort will not only drive scientific advancements but also pave the way for future efforts in space manufacturing,” said Ajay Kumar, Founder and CEO of Vellon Space.
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