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CRS-26 launch ©NASA

 

Tokyo – Space BD, a leading Japanese space startup, announces that the transportation of the samples from companies and research institutes in Japan and overseas to the International Space Station (ISS) has been completed in the life science business utilizing the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” on the ISS.
The sample was loaded aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon supply ship as part of NASA’s 26th Commercial Resupply Service mission (CRS-26), and was launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA on Sunday, November 26, 2022 at 2:20 p.m. EST.
Space BD leads search for crystallization conditions on the ground, examination of suitability for space experiments, sample filling work, etc. in partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and MARUWA Foods and Biosciences. Protein Crystal Growth experiments have already started on the launched sample, and it is scheduled to return to the ground around mid-January 2023.

 

■About Space BD life science business and protein structure analysis service

Space BD utilizes the onboard experimental facilities of the ISS “Kibo” to develop a life science business “Protein Structure Analysis Service” using technology for producing high-quality protein crystals that takes advantage of the characteristics of microgravity space. This service supports the determination of target protein structural information and the verification of interactions with compounds, etc., which are important in drug discovery research.
In the selection of candidate compounds, which requires a huge amount of time in the drug discovery process, conducting experiments based on high-quality protein structural information greatly shortens the lead time and contributes to cost reduction.

 

 

From the start of service in May 2021 to December 2022, we have supported JAXA’s academy public offering project, and supported the launch of a total of more than 200 samples (including 22 Space BD private projects).

 

Loading CRS-26 samples at NASA Kennedy Space Center (Back: Space BD employee)

 

■Private sector project in this time (CRS-26)

Through collaboration with channel partners HelioX Cosmos (Taiwan) and Airvantis (Brazil), we launched samples of four domestic and overseas users, including users in Taiwan and Brazil.
In addition to protein crystal growth for the purpose of drug discovery, this launch will also carry a protein crystallization solution that the students of Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Kita High School studied as part of an educational program. About 20 high school students volunteered to participate, fostering their interest in space experiments and life sciences.

Space BD will contribute to the future of people by proposing new possibilities of space in life science research.

 

 

 

 

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