Cellular Experiment Laboratory System (CELS)

Active TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

CELS enables broad research capabilities for in-situ cell-based experiments as well as studies involving organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organ-on-a-chip technology. The primary technologies in CELS are microfluidic systems and analytical systems for sample handling and mixing, spectrophotometry, and imaging for downstream analysis capabilities. CELS streamlines studies by automating cell culturing, treatment delivery, and analysis without the need for manual intervention or downmass.

Problem Statement
The current state-of-the-art for biological experiments in microgravity is reliant on International Space Station scheduling, astronaut intervention, and downmass. Biological experimentation in space is constrained by turnaround time and cost. CELS, a fully autonomous biological payload enabling sample handling and preparation for microgravity analysis, focuses on ensuring high-quality biological experimentation. By integrating into free-flying satellites, hosted flights, and space stations, CELS fast-tracks access, decreases cost, improves current capabilities, and enhances reproducibility.

Technology Maturation
The Flight Opportunities’ flight test will help achieve baseline space heritage for the systems and components while supporting a simple organoid study. This will allow the team to further refine systems, develop additional technologies, and improve ground handling protocols which then could be adapted to more complex studies in the future.

Benefits

CELS’s in-situ analysis and data processing eliminates the requirement for sample return, which cuts development time and leads to a substantial reduction in cost. This impact significantly lowers the barriers to access to the space research environment for all scientists. Users of this technology include academic institutions and government agencies like NASA Human Research Program, NASA Biological & Physical Sciences, and GeneLab. CELS also opens space-based research to a diverse segment of commercial entities, such as those focused on next-generation pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and human and planetary health.

Helogen’s clients have expressed interest in performing biological research that uses cell culturing and analysis methods beyond those currently available. Among other applications, these customers are interested in measuring the effect of ionizing space radiation on human cancer cells, studying accelerated aging, and even developing new molecules for cosmetics, all of which would be supported by this platform. Furthermore, Helogen’s modular approach to design and development helps the team understand how to integrate discrete subsystems such as liquid handling, subculturing, and spectrophotometry into various configurations.

In the future, Helogen will tailor the platform configuration for each mission, whether orbital, suborbital, or station-based, in response to unique customer needs: the number of samples under test, the types of samples, the assay requirements, and more. In cases where sample return is desired, the platform can scale up in size to accommodate biomanufacturing materials in useful quantities. As Helogen iterates designs based on market demand, the team will also deepen its expertise in various aspects of the technology, improving future missions and supporting a larger customer base.

Details

Technology area	Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Human Health and Performance > Medical Diagnosis and Prognosis
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	Helogen Corporation, New York, NY
Start date	2025-06-01
End date	2027-06-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Caitlin Golden
Jacob Soccimerra

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.