IIT Madras collaborates with Indian start-up for research in extra-terrestrial manufacturing

In a bid to push the boundaries of research and development in extra-terrestrial manufacturing, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has collaborated with an Indian start-up, Vellon Space.

With this collaboration, Vellon Space will receive a Technology Development Fund from IIT Madras to demonstrate its miniature space laboratory called 'AsteriX Lab', in orbit which marks a significant milestone in orbital ‘Microgravity Research.’

The IIT Madras research center called 'Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing' (ExTeM-IITM) is the pilot customer for this in-orbit demonstration mission of Vellon Space, an official release said.

According to the release, the AsteriX Lab, during its demonstration, will undergo space qualification to conduct biological experiments, particularly in long-duration cell culture under Lower Earth Microgravity. 
This demonstration in space is expected to take place by 2025.

"This demonstration sows the seed for biomanufacturing in space which can revolutionize cell culture and drug development processes in space, ultimately leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes,” Prof. Sathyan Subbiah from Department of Mechanical Engineering said.

Prof Subbiah is also the co-ordinator, ExTeM-IIT Madras, a group of researchers at IIT Madras teaming up to focus on developing technologies for manufacturing things in space - for space use and for use back on earth.

Domain expert in this project, Prof. G.K. Suraishkumar, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras and Co-Principal Investigator of Phase 02 of ExTeM, said, "It is indeed satisfying to contribute to the capability demonstration of biological experiments in space. They contribute toward producing superior products in space for use on Earth or for use during space flights. This collaboration could include significant advancements in understanding microgravity's effects on biological systems, innovations in drug development processes, and the creation of commercial opportunities in the space technology sector."

"There is a strategic alignment of expertise and resources in this partnership. This joint effort will not only drive scientific advancements but also pave the way for future endeavors in In-Space Manufacturing,” said Ajay Kumar, Founder and CEO, Vellon Space.

The IoE (Internet of Everything) Research Centre on Extra Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) currently operational at IIT Madras fills in a big lacuna currently in the space-related manufacturing research. 

While technologies are being developed for manufacturing launch vehicles, satellites, among other things, the near future will require technologies that will enable manufacturing products and assemblies in space for use in space and for use back in the earth, the release said.