Space Origami

Space Origami
Description: Space Origami is an interdisciplinary team of graduate students from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) dedicated to advancing nanotechnology through space-based experiments. The team's primary focus is on utilizing the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) to grow three-dimensional DNA origami crystals, a feat challenging to achieve under Earth's gravity.
Vision:
To leverage the unique conditions of space to explore and develop innovative nanomaterials that can revolutionize various scientific and industrial fields.
Mission:
To pioneer the growth of uniform 3D DNA origami crystals in microgravity, thereby contributing to advancements in robotics, computer science, materials science, medicine, and drug development.
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Key Milestones:
  • 2018: The team won a Germany-wide competition organized by Airbus Defence & Space, securing start-up funding for their project. This achievement led to a successful crowdfunding campaign to further support their mission.
  • 2019: Planned launch of the crystallization experiment to the ISS, aiming to conduct the first space-based growth of 3D DNA origami crystals.
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Products & Services:
  • Space-Based Crystallization Experiment: Space Origami has developed a fully automated crystallization experiment designed to operate aboard the ISS. Housed within a one-liter "ScienceBox," the experiment aims to grow 3D DNA origami crystals over a period of at least 30 days. The process is monitored using built-in cameras, and the DNA structures are labeled with fluorescent dyes to facilitate observation.
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