BiologIC Technologies' Space Endeavor

UK-based BiologIC Technologies announced on Monday that it will receive a grant of £300,000 (nearly $390,000) from a £33 million funding program. The grant will support their research into space biomanufacturing.

BiologIC Technologies is renowned for its work in developing vaccines and gene therapy techniques. The company aims to further its research by studying how biological systems behave in low orbit and space environments.

Biomanufacturing involves creating products using living systems, such as microorganisms, animal cells, or plant cells. The company believes space biomanufacturing is a must for all nations and biopharmaceutical companies to consider.

"Space biomanufacturing has become a strategic imperative for nations needing to sustain human activities in deep space and for biopharmaceutical companies generating new therapeutic value from microgravity environments," the company stated.

National Space Innovation Programme

The UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme invests up to £65 million ($84 million) in UK-based projects. These projects aim to develop new space technologies and services. BiologIC Technologies' project will benefit from this substantial investment.

Richard Vellacott, CEO of BiologIC Technologies, highlighted the advantage of conducting space research. Speaking to the BBC, he explained that studying the effects of aging is challenging on Earth due to the time it takes. However, in space, cells age faster, allowing for quicker research and potentially speeding up new treatments.

Testing on the International Space Station

The company's technology will be tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Vellacott emphasized the potential long-term benefits of space biomanufacturing.

He stated that if they could produce raw materials in space, they could eventually do so on Earth, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing sustainability.

"If we can make raw materials in space, we'll start to do it on Earth," Vellacott told the broadcaster. "At the moment, we import what we don't have from other areas, which isn't sustainable in the long term."

Collaboration with Axiom Space

BiologIC Technologies is partnering with Texas-based Axiom Space. Earlier this year, Axiom Space sent a collection of physical art pieces recreated from the Space Grails digital art collection of NFTs to the ISS via a SpaceX rocket.

Mina Salib, Head of Web3 at Axiom Space, highlighted the historical significance of this mission. She believes it marks a milestone in pushing the boundaries of art and space.

BiologIC Technologies did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Decrypt. However, the collaboration with Axiom Space and the backing from the UK Space Agency indicate a promising future for space biomanufacturing research.