IIT-Madras researchers to work on extra-terrestrial manufacturing

IIT Madras partners with Vellon Space for extraterrestrial manufacturing research, aiming to revolutionize space technology and pharmaceuticals.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has partnered with a start-up to advance extra-terrestrial manufacturing research and development. Vellon Space, an Indian start-up, will receive technology development fund from the institute to demonstrate miniature space laboratory called Asterix Lab in orbit.

The institute’s research centre ‘Extra-terrestrial manufacturing’ (ExTeM-IITM) is the pilot customer for the in-orbit demonstration mission. ExTeM-IIT M is a group of researchers at the institute teaming up to focus on developing technologies for manufacturing things in space, for use in space and on earth.

Asterix Lab will undergo space qualification to conduct biological experiments, particularly in long-duration cell culture under lower earth microgravity. The researchers will demonstrate the capability in space by 2025. 

Sathyan Subbiah, coordinator of ExTeM-IIT Madras and a professor in mechanical engineering department, said the demonstration would sow the seed for biomanufacturing in space that can revolutionise cell culture and drug development in space, leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes. 

G.K. Suraishkumar, professor in biotechnology in the institute and a domain expert in the project and co-principal investigator of Phase 02 of the project, said the collaboration could include significant advancements in understanding microgravity’s effects on biological systems, innovations in drug development processes and the creation of commercial opportunities in the space technology sector. 

Vellon Space founder Ajay Kumar said there was a strategic alignment of expertise and resources in the partnership.