Overview
This project will develop scientific instrumentation for biological experiments in space to determine the long-term effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity on microalgae. The goal of the experiments are to understand how the flux of cosmic radiation and the exposure to microgravity will modify cell growth, biomass production, cell motility, and polymers produced by cells, which are essential data for future development of biomaterials in space. The hardware and software are being developed for a nano-satellite platform by CSEM and HSLU. If the bench scale module is successful, funds will be sought to complete a nano-satellite and deploy it on a furture VEGA rocket launch (European Space Agency). The cooperation will provide mutual transfer of knowledge and technology from academia and industry to help reinforce Switzerland's as a location for research and production of biological factories and Nano satellites for commercial use.
