Understanding how living cells change in microgravity is of crucial importance for the success of future exploration missions involving extended stays on the Moon and Mars, and, in the longer term, on other planets and moons in the Solar System. Understanding the processes induced by altered gravity conditions is therefore one of the cornerstones for space activities in the coming decades. People on Earth will also benefit from the basic research in the fields of cell biology, molecular biology, biomedicine and plant physiology: for example, FLUMIAS aims to conduct more in-depth research into neurodegenerative diseases, immune deficiencies and the development of tumours, and to develop new approaches for cures and methods of treatment.
High-resolution fluorescence microscopy is a fundamental method for investigating the spatial organisation of cell structures, organs and organisms. In particular, living cells are examined under the microscope to observe dynamic processes such as the reorganisation of the cytoskeleton (the basic structure of the cell). With the help of the live-cell imaging method, specific cell structures can be made visible using special dyes or fluorescent proteins.
Although the spatial structure of cells and their changes in microgravity is of great interest for research in space, dynamic processes have so far only been studied to a limited extent. Until now, no suitable equipment was available for this type of experiment on the space station. Cells were brought to the space station, fixed there after an experiment, and only analysed microscopically or using other methods upon return to Earth. This meant that researchers could only study snapshots.
FLUMIAS, on the other hand, can take high-resolution images of living cells in space over several days or weeks. A special feature of the system is the integrated centrifuge: the microscope is mounted on a rotating platform. In this way, gravity can be switched on and off or altered while the microscope is in use. This enables researchers to directly observe particularly rapid cell reactions and determine threshold values of reactions triggered by changes in gravity. The images are subsequently used to create 3D models or short films.
Six experiments, one mission
Up to six interchangeable experiment blocks with different experiments can be accommodated in the FLUMIAS facility and carried out in one mission. The equipment in the experiment blocks includes not only the components of the actual microscope and the biological samples, but also fluid systems to supply culture media and fluorescent dyes. This ensures that the living cells are continuously supplied with fresh culture medium for days and weeks and that the temperature is always perfectly controlled.
This high-tech facility requires minimal crew interaction. Experiments are prepared in laboratories on the ground and integrated into the experiment units. After transport to the ISS, the crew members on board simply have to install these experiment units in the facility's storage rack. After that, all processes can be controlled from the control centre. The life-support functions of the experiment blocks in their waiting position in the storage rack, their transfer to the centrifuge, and all microscopic procedures – everything is controlled and monitored from Earth. Preview images of what the microscope is recording can also be transmitted directly to the ground, where they can be evaluated by the participating research groups.
FLUMIAS is designed as a multi-user facility
The facility will address a wide range of scientific questions. The customisable experiment units mean that a wide variety of experiments can be flown in a single mission. Already in the first phase of use, not only cell biological experiments are planned, but also experiments from various other fields such as neurophysiology, microbiology, plant physiology and physics.
The first AO was published in 2020, with a selection of 10 experiments. The next AO is in the planning stage. The facility is expected to begin operating in 2025.
