New facilities and instruments for developmental biology research in space

Area of Science:

• Space Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Life Sciences in Space

Background:

• The European Space Agency (ESA) is introducing three new facilities for biological research in space.
• These facilities include Biopack on the Space Shuttle, and BIOLAB and the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) on the International Space Station (ISS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the capabilities of new ESA space-based facilities for biological experiments.
• To outline the design concepts for experiment hardware supporting research in developmental biology.

Main Methods:

• Facilities described: Biopack, BIOLAB, and EMCS, housed in standard Experiment Containers.
• Capabilities include microgravity or variable g-level studies, dedicated atmospheric control, and waste management.
• Automation and telescience support are integrated, including BIOLAB's Handling Mechanism and Analysis Instruments.

Main Results:

• Biopack offers thermal control, while BIOLAB and EMCS provide controlled atmospheres and other resources.
• EMCS includes fresh and wastewater reservoirs.
• Feasibility studies for experiment hardware for eggs, cells, tissues, aquatic animals, insects, and plants have been conducted.

Conclusions:

• The new ESA facilities offer advanced capabilities for diverse biological research in space.
• These systems support telescience and reduce crew time, enabling novel research possibilities.
• The described experiment hardware concepts facilitate developmental biology studies in microgravity and variable gravity environments.