The Expanding Realm of Commercial Space Ventures

The increasing commercialization of space extends beyond deploying new sensors via cost-effective, smaller satellites. It also encompasses the investigation and utilization of the unique advantages offered by a microgravity environment for both manufacturing and production processes.

European firm Space Cargo Unlimited is dedicated to transforming the benefits of microgravity into commercially viable applications here on Earth. Recently, the company announced a collaboration with Mercier, a global vine nursery, to explore how space-based advantages can contribute to the development of more resilient wine grape vines.

Previous Experiments with Wine in Space

Space Cargo Unlimited has previously investigated the impact of microgravity on wine. In 2019, a case of red wine was transported to the International Space Station (ISS).

This wine was returned to Earth last year, having spent a full 12 months aging in the station’s near zero-G conditions.

New Subsidiary and Grape Vine Research

The startup has now established a subsidiary, Space Biology Unlimited, focused specifically on in-space biotech. This new entity will collaborate with Mercier to determine how to cultivate novel grape vine varieties exhibiting increased resistance to evolving climates.

Alongside the wine case, Space Cargo Unlimited sent 320 vine canes to the ISS. These canes, comprising both Cabernet grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon, were recently recovered via SpaceX’s cargo return mission.

Unprecedented Biological Changes Observed

According to Mercier CEO Guillaume Mercier, the returned canes have demonstrated “unprecedented biological changes.”

These canes will undergo cloning and thorough study to assess potential benefits regarding growth in the context of a “fast-warming planet.”

Microgravity's Potential Across Industries

The potential of microgravity extends to diverse fields, including battery production, additive manufacturing, and both chemical and medical manufacturing.

Microgravity diminishes the physical stresses of gravity, enabling the production of intricate structures that would be unfeasible on Earth.

The unique space environment, characterized by altered radiation levels, also induces unexpected variations in the growth and development of organic structures.

These variances, while not naturally occurring on Earth, can sometimes be replicated to yield beneficial results.

Increased Accessibility Drives Commercial Opportunities

The effects of microgravity have been studied utilizing the ISS for many years. However, more affordable and frequent access to space has opened up a promising commercial pathway for numerous companies and startups.

Previously, the costs and time commitments associated with such research were prohibitive for many.

Space Cargo Unlimited is strategically positioned to capitalize on this expanding trend, leveraging the growing accessibility of space for innovative research and development.