MISSION CIMER
Další-
3U
Size of the satellite
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4
Separate bacteria containers
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2023
Year of the mission establishment
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2026
Year of the planned launch
What is CIMER?
The CIMER (Cyanobacteria In Microgravity Environment Research) bio-mission aims to explore the potential benefits of using desiccative hibernation for cultivating biological substances in space. The project is a joint effort of the YSpace team from the Brno University of Technology (BUT) and Mendel University (MENDELU) in the Czech Republic. This mission will be the first bioCubeSat from the Czech Republic, which represents an important milestone in efforts to strengthen this industry in our country. The European Space Agency (ESA) was also interested in the mission and decided to support it as part of the Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster 2 program.
What is the main objective?
The main objective of the CIMER mission is to test a prototype Micro Biological Container (MIBICO) for long-term storage of microalgae and bacteria colonies on board satellites. Successful cultivation of microbiological organisms is crucial for their ability to produce oxygen through photosynthesis and survive in extreme space conditions. The experiment also includes observations of the effect of space radiation and other inhospitable conditions on the viability of cyanobacteria. The ability to withstand these effects is crucial to the ability of humans to expand to other space bodies.
Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster 2 (ESA)
This prestigious program aims to move innovative student projects closer to their goal of launching a successful experiment. The CIMER mission was selected along with only four other projects from across Europe. During the 18-month duration of the support, it will have the opportunity to have regular consultations with experts directly from ESA or, for example, access to test facilities at ESTEC in the Netherlands. At the end of the programme, the design of all components of the satellite will be finalised and it will be ready for flight after the test phase.
What will MIBICO look like?
MIBICO will contain four hermetically sealed microcontainers with samples of organic material. It will be tested for long-term preservation and recovery of desiccated biomass. The organisms used in this experiment will be called cyanobacteria. The revival process involves injecting nutrient solutions and activating life support systems. Subsequently, RGB spectral imaging is performed to verify the activity of the bacteria. The success of the experiment will be further verified by measuring metabolic and life processes such as oxygen production.
The purpose of the mission?
The CIMER mission represents an important step in the development of space research in the Czech Republic. This mission aims to contribute to our understanding of the processes of biogrowing and will allow us to test technologies that will be used in future space exploration. By involving students and young professionals from the BUT and MENDELU, this mission actively develops mutual cooperation between the institutions, while allowing them to gain valuable practical experience in space research.