Euglena Co., Ltd. unveiled its latest innovation in space experimentation equipment at a seminar event hosted by ElevationSpace Inc. and IDDK Co., Ltd. on August 29, 2023. The event served as a platform for information exchange about the future of space development and bio-experiments, featuring prominent speakers including Mr. Kobayashi, CEO of ElevationSpace Inc., Mr. Ueno, CEO of IDDK Co., Ltd., Mr. Sugiura, CTO of Takasago Electric, Inc., and Dr. Kengo Suzuki, CTO of Euglena Co., Ltd.

Dr. Suzuki's keynote address at the event provided a detailed overview of the background of space development related to Euglena and outlined the conceptualization and progress of space cultivation experiments. Following this, he emphasized the significance of resource circulation in space and elaborated on ongoing experiments before unveiling the highlight of the event—a new compact cultivation module. This module, designed and produced by Euglena Co., Ltd., will be integrated into the unmanned small satellite, ELS-R100, slated for launch by ElevationSpace Inc. in 2025. It includes IDDK Co., Ltd.'s lensless microscopy device "MID" ^※1 and Takasago Electric, Inc.'s ultra-compact valve ^※2 for nutrient supply.

The event also featured a panel discussion on the importance of bio-experiments in space and the significance of private sector participation in space development. Panelists unanimously agreed that bio-experiments are crucial for future space living and that the involvement of private companies increases opportunities for space experimentation. They highlighted cross-disciplinary collaboration as a key driver of advancement in space development.

■About the Developed Module

The module developed for integration into ElevationSpace Inc.'s ELS-R100, set to launch in 2025, was a collaborative effort, with ElevationSpace Inc. providing expertise in space equipment development and structural design support. The module successfully meets strict weight constraints, weighing less than 200g, while enabling precise control of cell cultivation. It features IDDK Co., Ltd.'s lensless microscopy device "MID" and Takasago Electric, Inc.'s ultra-compact valve and tank unit for nutrient supply.

※1 MID is a unique one-chip microscopy observation device that utilizes semiconductor imaging sensor technology. While conventional microscopes magnify objects for observation using optical systems such as objective lenses, MID operates on an entirely different principle. It detects the observed object by the density of light-sensitive elements (photodiodes) arranged closely on a semiconductor sensor chip.

※2 Ultra-compact valve and tank unit: This unit supplies nutrients to the microscopy observation device from a pressurized tank through valve operation. The valve section is based on Takasago Electric, Inc.'s ultra-compact electromagnetic valve and employs a one-time opening mechanism using wire melting. Integration with the tank section achieves compact and lightweight design.

■Specifications of the Compact Cell Cultivation Module

Dimensions: 103×57×27mm
Weight: 175g
Key Features:
・4K quality (4208px X 3120px) microscopy imaging sensor
・Temperature control via thermistor and microheater
・Nutrient exchange tank and microvalve
・LED for cultivation and imaging
・Temperature/humidity/pressure sensors
・Commercial-grade CPU board (ARM Cortex-A53 1GHz Quad 64-bit CPU, 512MB memory)
・3mm thick aluminum housing
・Sealed with O-rings

■Future Outlook

The collaboration between ElevationSpace Inc.'s space environment utilization and recovery platform, ELS-R, and the newly developed ultra-compact cell cultivation module is expected to drastically reduce the cost of space cell experiments, making it accessible for millions instead of tens of millions of dollars. Additionally, this innovation enables the realization of remote, automated biological experimentation equipment on satellites, shortening development timelines.

Moreover, the applications of the module extend beyond the growth and behavior analysis of microalgae Euglena in space to various research fields, including medical science.

<About ElevationSpace Inc.>

ElevationSpace Inc., a space startup founded at Tohoku University, aims to create a world where everyone can live in space, enriching the future of humanity. Leveraging knowledge and technology gained from developing more than 15 small artificial satellites at Tohoku University's Yoshida-Kuwabara Laboratory, ElevationSpace Inc. is developing the space environment utilization platform "ELS-R," which conducts experiments and demonstrations in zero gravity and returns them to Earth.

Website: https://elevation-space.com/

<About IDDK Co., Ltd.>

IDDK Co., Ltd., founded by Mr. Soichiro Ueno, is dedicated to changing the world with "microscopic observation technology" that can be used "anytime," "anywhere," and by "anyone." Using its patented cutting-edge technology, Micro Imaging Device (MID), IDDK Co., Ltd. focuses on space bio-experimentation as a social implementation of MID. By deploying MID in the limited space of artificial satellites, IDDK Co., Ltd. transitions space experiments from government-led initiatives to private sector involvement.

Website: https://iddk.co.jp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iddk-co-ltd/

Twitter: @IDDK_PR

<About Takasago Electric, Inc.>

Takasago Electric, Inc. has been a specialized manufacturer of small chemical-resistant valves and pumps for over 60 years since its establishment in 1959. Through its expertise and problem-solving product proposals, the company has contributed to the development of analytical equipment, its primary application field. The company aspires to set global goals, producing high-quality products that contribute to the international community.

Website: https://takasago-elec.co.jp/

<About Euglena Co., Ltd.>

Founded in 2005, Euglena Co., Ltd. achieved the world's first outdoor mass cultivation technology for microalgae Euglena. The company utilizes microalgae, including Euglena and Chlorella, for food, cosmetics, biofuel development, and genetic analysis services. Since 2014, Euglena Co., Ltd. has been delivering "Euglena GENKI Cookies" to children in Bangladesh, providing rich nutrients. Euglena defines its philosophy as "Sustainability First" and conducts business accordingly.

Website: https://euglena.jp