CHENNAI: A small Indian space laboratory would soon be launched to demonstrate its capability to conduct biological experiments in microgravity. 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 lab, during the in-orbit demonstration, will undergo space qualification to conduct biological experiments like long-duration cell culture in low earth microgravity. A release said the collaboration aims at advancing extra-terrestrial manufacturing research and development and marks a milestone in orbital 'microgravity research'. The IIT Madras centre called ExtraTerrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM-IITM), will be the pilot customer for the in-orbit mission.

"This demonstration sows the seed for biomanufacturing in space which can revolutionize cell culture and drug development processes in space, ultimately leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes," said Prof Sathyan Subbiah, co-ordinator, ExTeM-IIT Madras

The professor added that they are conducting ground tests after which the lab design will be made ready for the launch following another round of ground tests with the revised lab design. The lab, which will stay in orbit for close to a week, will be remotely controlled and will have sensors and data measurement systems for the experiments and the transfer of data. The research lab at IITM is a group of researchers who focus on developing technologies that will enable manufacturing products and assemblies in space, for space use and for use back on earth, which is at present a lacuna in space-related manufacturing research. Prof GK Suraishkumar, co-principal investigator of phase-02 of ExTeM said the collaboration could include advancements in understanding microgravity's effects 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 endeavours in In-space manufacturing," said Ajay Kumar, the founder and CEO, Vellon Space.