Europe is set to advance cancer research into orbit with the announcement of its first commercial orbital cancer laboratory. SPARK Microgravity GmbH revealed plans for this facility, which will focus on studying tumors in microgravity. The lab aims to uncover drug targets that remain hidden under Earth’s gravitational forces, potentially leading to new treatments.
During a session titled “Curing cancer in space” at Frontiers Science House in Davos, executives from SPARK Microgravity discussed how microgravity conditions may significantly alter the way scientists study cancer. The company emphasized that traditional laboratories are constrained by gravity, which affects cell growth and interactions. By eliminating these forces, the orbital lab will enable researchers to conduct experiments that more accurately mimic the conditions within the human body.
Allison Bajet, CEO and co-founder of SPARK Microgravity, illustrated the importance of this research environment with an analogy: “Simulated microgravity is like trying to listen to a symphony inside a construction zone. Going to space to experience real microgravity is like stepping into a soundproof room. Suddenly, you can hear every note of the biology clearly.” This clarity could help identify new drug targets and offer insights into why certain treatments may fail in practical applications despite being effective in theory.
The orbital lab will facilitate three-dimensional tumor growth experiments, allowing scientists to observe complex cancer behaviors without the distortions caused by gravitational forces. By focusing on these advanced models, researchers hope to gain new biological insights that could accelerate the transition from discovery to therapy.
SPARK Microgravity is collaborating with Axiom Space and Voyager Technologies to establish the necessary infrastructure for the lab’s operations in low Earth orbit. The partnership is critical for ensuring the lab has the support it needs for successful research and experiments. Additionally, ATMOS Space Cargo will assist with future return missions, which are essential for analyzing biological samples brought back to Earth.
The company has scheduled an early flight demonstration for May 2024, with support from the Swedish Space Corporation. This mission will test systems designed for future cancer experiments and will serve as a preliminary step for launching cancer research in orbit. SPARK Microgravity is also working with HyPrSpace, a French startup that is developing the Baguette-One launch vehicle, expected to be the first rocket launched from France.
The announcement at Davos placed the orbital lab project in front of policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, fostering an environment conducive to accelerating science-driven solutions. Organizers believe that integrating scientific research discussions into global decision-making will enhance the impact of such initiatives.
SPARK Microgravity envisions the orbital lab as a crucial step toward making space-based research a standard practice rather than a novel experiment. The company asserts that microgravity research will become an integral tool in future drug development, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment strategies.
