Bioreactor Express

Bioreactor Express
Description: Express is a service developed through a partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Kayser Italia, aiming to provide an expedited pathway for conducting scientific and technological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The service utilizes ESA's KUBIK incubator facility, permanently installed on the Columbus module of the ISS, to support a variety of experiments in fields such as biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, plant physiology, material science, and more.
Vision:
To become a leading provider of accessible and reliable microgravity research services, fostering advancements that benefit life on Earth and support future space exploration endeavors.
Mission:
To establish an efficient and streamlined process for researchers and commercial entities to perform experiments in microgravity conditions aboard the ISS, thereby accelerating scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Contact:
References:
Key Milestones:
  • 2019: ESA and Kayser Italia signed a partnership agreement for the commercial exploitation of the KUBIK facility, marking the inception of the Bioreactor Express service.
  • 2020: The first Bioreactor Express payload, BioAsteroid, was successfully launched aboard the CRS-21 mission from Kennedy Space Center, initiating its journey to the ISS. The experiment, conceived by Professor Charles Cockell of the University of Edinburgh, investigates how gravity affects the interaction between microbes and rock in a liquid medium.
  • 2024: The Immune Cell Activation (ICA) experiment, the second Bioreactor Express payload, was successfully launched aboard the Cygnus NG-20 mission via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, destined for the ISS. The experiment is conducted by an entirely Italian consortium composed of the Cericol Research Center of Colorobbia Consulting and the University of Pavia.
Sector:
Products & Services:
  • Microgravity Experimentation: Bioreactor Express offers a platform for conducting a wide range of experiments in microgravity, including:: Biological Experiments: Studies on cell cultures, microorganisms, and other biological systems to understand the effects of microgravity on biological processes.Biotechnological Applications: Research aimed at developing new biotechnologies or enhancing existing ones through microgravity experimentation.Biochemistry Studies: Investigations into chemical processes within and related to living organisms under microgravity conditions.Plant Physiology: Experiments to study plant growth and development in space, contributing to advancements in space agriculture.Material Science: Research on the properties and behaviors of materials in microgravity, leading to potential innovations in material design and manufacturing.Fluid Science: Studies on fluid dynamics in microgravity, providing insights applicable to various industries.Educational Projects: Opportunities for educational institutions to engage in space-based research, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
  • Bioreactor Mini-Lab System: Specialized small-volume bioreactors designed for ISS integration, allowing experiments to be conducted autonomously or with minimal crew interaction. Cellular biology, microbiology, pharma crystallization, material science. Modular system, quick integration timelines, ESA safety certifications. TRL 8–9
  • End-to-End Mission Management: Support from payload design to post-mission data delivery, including logistics, safety reviews, and operation planning.Non-space specialists seeking access to space research environments. Reduces barriers to entry for new market participants in space research
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