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Autonomous, miniature research station (lab-payload) for the nanosatellite biological mission: LabSat

Summary

Scientists created a miniature autonomous laboratory that fit inside a shoebox-sized satellite to grow fungi and seeds in space. Launched in 2022, this lab successfully maintained the right temperature, humidity, and food supply for the biological samples while orbiting Earth, sending back images proving the plants and fungi were growing properly. This breakthrough shows that small, affordable satellites can now conduct serious biological research in microgravity, which could help prepare for future human missions to the Moon and Mars.

Background

Bio-nanosatellites are emerging as cost-effective alternatives to International Space Station experiments for conducting biological research in microgravity and space radiation conditions. Current challenges include long launch waiting times that compromise sensitive biological samples and limited ability to conduct diverse simultaneous experiments in small satellite payloads.

Objective

To develop and validate a fully autonomous lab-payload for a 2U CubeSat nanosatellite capable of simultaneously culturing two different biological specimens (fungi and seeds) under space conditions while maintaining proper environmental controls and enabling non-invasive monitoring.

Results

LabSat successfully launched aboard Falcon 9 in January 2022 and achieved stable orbit at 550 km altitude with 97.5° inclination. The payload maintained proper environmental conditions for 14 days, with images confirming swelling and cracking of cress seed hulls and viable fungal culture development approximately 36 hours after orbital deployment, demonstrating reliable operation of all subsystems.

Conclusion

The LabSat mission successfully demonstrated autonomous operation of a miniaturized laboratory enabling simultaneous cultivation of diverse biological organisms in space. The technology platform validates the feasibility of using 3D-printed components alongside traditional glass microfluidics and confirms that nanosatellites can serve as effective platforms for space biology research with applications for future lunar and Mars missions.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Engineering Design and Flight Mission Validation,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-16044-y, PMID: 40847115
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