Made in space production of biological supplements to support astronaut health
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 21, 2024

An Adelaide-based startup, OmnigenIQ, has adapted its pioneering bioreactor technology for use in space, enabling the production of vital biological supplements during space missions. This advancement means essential proteins like insulin, critical for maintaining astronaut muscle mass, bone density, and cellular function, could be synthesized onboard rather than transported from Earth.

This capability is set to mitigate health risks like muscle atrophy and bone loss that astronauts face during extended space missions, such as journeys to Mars and beyond. By eliminating the need for frequent resupply missions, the technology enhances mission autonomy and sustainability.

Tiffanwy Klippel-Cooper, OmnigenIQ cofounder and chief science officer, highlighted the dual-purpose nature of the innovation. "We're passionate about enhancing human health outcomes - especially in regional and remote places - and there is hardly a more remote place than space," she explained. "We're excited about what this could mean for mission autonomy on longer-term space travel, and supporting the health of astronauts as we push further and further into the unknown."

In addition to space applications, the technology holds promise for producing surgical consumables and therapeutic proteins to address disaster relief needs on Earth.

OmnigenIQ is among four early-stage startups recently integrated into South Australia's space ecosystem after completing the Venture Catalyst Space accelerator program. This initiative, Australia's first dedicated space accelerator, has supported 40 space startups since 2018, collectively generating $43 million in investments and creating 240 jobs.

Dr. Catherine Grace, Director of the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), emphasized the program's significance. "The Venture Catalyst Space program is a pivotal launchpad for local innovation and continues to empower space start-ups to scale-up and transform their cutting-edge ideas into sustainable space businesses," she said.

Craig Jones, UniSA Deputy Director for Business Incubation, added that the program is fostering a diverse and dynamic market for space technologies. "Each year, we see applications from passionate space entrepreneurs that push the boundaries of innovation; they are driven to build something that will have great impact in the world," Jones said.

The Venture Catalyst Space program, funded by the South Australian Government and delivered by the University of South Australia's Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), plays a crucial role in accelerating growth in the state's space industry, further establishing South Australia as a hub for space innovation.

Related Links
OmnigenIQ
Space Medicine Technology and Systems