The “BIOST” Project: European Technology Developments for Bioprocessing in Space

Life Sciences experiments in Space are of interest to exploit the gravitationless environment, both as a new scientific tool which may give access to novel phenomena, and to open the path to potential practical applications on spacecraft. To fully exploit the capabilities which will be offered by the Space Station, the European Space Agency has anticipated future needs by initiating developments in the areas of space bioprocessing. The Bioprocessing Space Technology project (BIOST), funded under the Technology Research Program, addresses the development of novel sophisticated technologies dedicated to study, and exploit, biological cells.