Life Science Research Sample Transfer Technology for On Orbit Analysis

Traditionally spaceflight life science experiments require the return of samples to earth for analysis, which is frequently a challenge to the success of investigations. Even with more analytical instruments on ISS, conditions do not facilitate the transfer of liquid samples from experimental devices to analytical devices. In response to the science community's call for on-orbit analyses, Techshot, Inc. proposes to develop an On-orbit Analytical Cassette (OAC) for life and microgravity sciences research, which provides an innovative way to leverage Techshot's ADSEP payload, which is considered by NASA to be part of the existing ISS facilities. The proposed innovation consists of properly contained access ports for the OAC, making it possible to remove a small aliquot of liquid sample from an OAC and transfer it to Techshot's Dynamic Stage for microscopic observations and analysis using the Light Microscopy Module. The OAC is precisely on target to meet NASA's specific objective of (1) providing innovative ways to leverage existing ISS facilities for new scientific payloads, and (2) providing on orbit analysis to enhance capabilities and reduce sample return requirements. Techshot's innovative OAC is destined to improve the throughput of ISS, making it a win-win for both NASA and the science community.

Building on its expected success with employing OAC to support NASA mission programs, Techshot expects to soon offer flight experiment services to non-NASA customers, including private sector and university researchers. Once commercial space vehicles (e.g. SpaceX, Orbital) begin routinely flying to the ISS, to commercial space stations (e.g. Bigelow), and as free fliers (e.g. DragonLab), the logistics and economics of transporting materials to and from space should become much more appealing. OAC is capable of supporting a wide variety of microgravity research for the private sector customer base. The ADSEP and OAC technologies also have the potential for scale up of processing high-value products in the unique environment of space, including large scale cell and tissue growth, and high-value medical-grade materials processing.

Techshot expects to commercialize the OAC by incorporating it into the company's spaceflight service program that it offers to NASA mission programs, as well as for other Government agencies, such as investigators funded by the National Institute of Health Biomed-ISS program. The OAC provides a unique opportunity to more fully utilize ISS resources, thereby increasing our basic understanding of the effects of spaceflight on biological systems such as cells, plants, algae, and invertebrate organisms. NASA and the science community are poised to take advantage of this new knowledge and the analytical techniques that have enabled it. Consequently, NASA is expected to be an early adopter of the innovative OAC technology to maximize scientific return via on-orbit analyses, and so minimize the currently major limitation of sample return needed for subsequent analysis on earth.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.