[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/slider-comunicacio.jpg” max_height=”130px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px||11px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Unitats de recerca” module_class=”ieec-orgs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoiY3VzdG9tX21ldGFfb3JnYW5pemFjaW9uZXMiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsImVuYWJsZV9odG1sIjoib2ZmIn19@[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title author=”off” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” admin_label=”T\u00edtol i data” module_class=”ieec-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Cairo|300|||||||” title_font_size=”40px” meta_font=”||on||||||” meta_font_size=”16px” title_font_size_tablet=”35px” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subt\u00edtols” module_class=”ieec-summary” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Source Sans Pro||on||||||” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.1em” text_font_size_tablet=”22px” text_font_size_phone=”20px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title title=”off” meta=”off” module_class=”ieec-img-container” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The International Space Station (ISS). <\/span>Public domain<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Europe takes another step towards human space exploration with the project called \u201cLimnospira on ISS\u201d, <\/span>a pioneering experiment to be carried out on the International Space Station<\/b> (ISS) and featuring a microscopic yet indispensable organism: the cyanobacterium <\/span>Limnospira indica<\/span><\/i>, popularly known as spirulina.<\/span><\/p>\n The project, led by the <\/span>Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia<\/span><\/a> (IEEC) and the <\/span>Universitat Aut\u00f2noma de Barcelona<\/span><\/a> (UAB), with the collaboration of <\/span>Sener<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona<\/span><\/a> (IMB-CNM, CSIC), <\/span>seeks to understand how this microorganism behaves in microgravity and how it can be integrated into future bioregenerative life-support systems.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For decades, <\/span>Limnospira indica <\/span><\/i>has been part of life support system studies promoted by the <\/span>European Space Agency<\/span><\/a> (ESA), specifically the <\/span>MELiSSA<\/span><\/a> (Micro Ecological Life Support System Alternative) project, which has its pilot plant at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. The \u201cLimnospira on ISS\u201d experiment is closely related to this project, which aims to develop <\/span>a system capable of generating oxygen, producing water and providing food for astronauts in a sustainable way and independent of supplies from Earth<\/b>, proposing the use of the astronauts’ own waste as a resource. A circular system like this represents a significant scientific and technological challenge, which must be overcome to tackle future long-duration missions, such as lunar and Martian exploration.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The cyanobacterium <\/span>Limnospira indica<\/span><\/i> has three characteristics that make it a high-value biological resource both on Earth and in space: carbon dioxide capture, oxygen production and food generation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis microorganism can transform the carbon dioxide exhaled by the crew into edible biomass and oxygen, which it continuously releases through photosynthesis,\u201d explains Francesc G\u00f2dia, an IEEC researcher and full professor of Chemical Engineering at the UAB who leads this project. He adds: \u201cMoreover, its high protein concentration makes it suitable as a nutritional supplement.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n It is already widely cultivated on Earth, but <\/span>we still need to know more about how it responds in microgravity conditions<\/b>. Orbital conditions alter the way fluids move and how cells perceive light. Understanding whether they grow in the same way, more slowly or more quickly is essential for the planning of space bioreactors. The experiment will also measure the fluorescence of specific pigments to detect possible changes in the photosynthetic efficiency of this microorganism.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand,<\/span> it is also unclear whether <\/b>Limnospira <\/i><\/b>can withstand long periods of darkness before being activated in orbit<\/b>. Knowing whether the cyanobacterial culture recovers properly is key to future deep-space missions. The project will also validate compact monitoring technology (lighting and sensors) designed for future automated biological experiments.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The project uses innovative space equipment: the \u2018Limnospira on ISS Boxes\u2019, an evolution of the FixBox, a device that has already flown successfully in previous plant biology experiments on the ISS.<\/span><\/p>\n Each unit incorporates five <\/span>miniaturised c<\/span>ulture cassettes (transparent, sealed chambers where the cells will grow). They are equipped with ports for culture medium entry and air exit, integrated photonic sensors, individual LED lightin<\/span>g and miniaturised ele<\/span>ctronic systems for monitoring and data recording. In addition, each cassette also measures optical parameters and automatically captures images of the culture.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The project requires adapting hardware already certified for the ISS, designing fully<\/span> hermetic <\/span>and sterile cassettes, developing an integrated and robust electronic system, and passing vibration, operational and ergonomic tests. Sener has coordinated the structural adaptations and safety requirements, while IMB-CNM-CSIC has designed and manufactured the optical sensors and microcomponents for each cassette.<\/span><\/p>\n The team from the IEEC and the UAB will carry out several subcultures over 12 days to achieve the appropriate cell concentration. The samples will be loaded into sterile bags and inserted into the equipment: this is how the Limnospira Boxes will be created, <\/span>which will travel as scientific cargo and be kept in controlled thermal conditions <\/b>with the cultures in the dark until they reach the ISS.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image007.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cassettes with LED lighting. <\/span>IMB-CNM-CSIC<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ieec.cat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image0013.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-img-footer” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Limnospira on ISS Box and KIP (prototype). <\/span>Sener<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There, the astronaut will screw the equipment up to the correct operation indicator, mount the interface plate (KIP) on the ISS’s Kubik module\u2014which will act as an incubator\u2014and connect the power supply and sensors to activate the system. For about two weeks, the cells will grow in microgravity at 36 \u00b0C with constant lighting and monitoring cycles.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, the samples will be transferred to a refrigerator at 4 \u00b0C, where they will be kept until their return to Earth in a spacecraft. It will only remain to analyse them in the laboratory to <\/span>compare them with the terrestrial reference (control) samples<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”section-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ‘Limnospira on ISS’ is a large-scale European project. It is part of ESA’s PRODEX programme, funded by the <\/span>Spanish Space Agency<\/span><\/a> (AEE), and has a total budget of \u20ac598,000 and a duration of at least<\/span> 18 months.<\/span><\/p>\n The consortium is made up of the following entities: the IEEC and the UAB, which hold the scientific leadership and handle the biology and operations aspects; the IMB-CNM-CSIC, which is responsible for the development of sensors and optofluidic technology, and Sener, which handles engineering, verification and safety issues. In addition, <\/span>ESA itself and NASA provide support with integration, certification and flight monitoring.<\/span><\/p>\n The mission will provide important knowledge to enable the design of self-sufficient life-support systems. <\/span>If <\/b>Limnospira indica<\/i><\/b> demonstrates good performance in microgravity, it will be an ideal candidate to form part of future habitable ecosystems<\/b> on moons, orbital stations or, one day, Mars.<\/span><\/p>\n In this regard, the IEEC is also participating in the <\/span>SpaceGenFish<\/span><\/a> project, led by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), which will <\/span>study aquaculture in space to obtain fresh food for long-duration missions<\/b>. ‘Limnospira on ISS’ and SpaceGenFish are the two projects led by Catalan institutions that have received funding from the AEE through the ESA PRODEX programme to conduct research on the ISS.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#406fda” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Enlla\u00e7os” module_class=”ieec-sub-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Cairo|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#406fda” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Links<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”ieec-sub-text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.1em” link_font=”|700|||on|||#1a1140|” link_text_color=”#1a1140″ link_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#406fda” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contactes” module_class=”ieec-sub-title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Cairo|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#406fda” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Contacts<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||20px|false|false” border_width_left=”1px” border_color_left=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.1em” link_font=”|700|||on|||#1a1140|” link_text_color=”#1a1140″ link_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#1a1140″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Castelldefels, Barcelona [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||20px|false|false” border_width_left=”1px” border_color_left=”#406fda” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1em” link_font=”|700|||on||||” link_text_color=”#1a1140″ header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#1a1140″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”ieec-about” module_class=”about-ieec” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(64,111,218,0.15)” global_module=”17324″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|50px|20px|50px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Sobre l’IEEC” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”23px” header_2_font_size_phone=”23px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” link_font=”|700|||on||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC \u2014 Institut d\u2019Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) promotes and coordinates space research and technology development in Catalonia for the benefit of society. IEEC fosters collaborations both locally and worldwide and is an efficient agent of knowledge, innovation and technology transfer. As a result of more than 25 years of high-quality research, done in collaboration with major international organisations, IEEC ranks among the best international research centres, focusing on areas such as: astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and Earth Observation. IEEC\u2019s engineering division develops instrumentation for ground- and space-based projects, and has extensive experience in working with private or public organisations from the aerospace and other innovation sectors.<\/p>\n The IEEC is a non-profit public sector foundation that was established in February 1996. It has a Board of Trustees composed of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Universitat Aut\u00f2noma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat Polit\u00e8cnica de Catalunya \u00b7 BarcelonaTech (UPC), and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). The IEEC is also a CERCA centre.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A pioneering experiment will investigate the behaviour of this cyanobacterium, scientifically known as Limnospira indica, on the International Space Station and will study how it can be integrated into future bioregenerative life-support systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":43484,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"2880","footnotes":""},"categories":[111,74,98,106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43483","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-highlighted-news-small","category-news","category-science","category-technology"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy is Limnospira indica<\/em> so important?<\/h2>\n
How will the experiment be carried out?<\/h2>\n
Towards a future with feeding systems to live beyond Earth<\/h2>\n
\n
IEEC Communication Office<\/h4>\n
E-mail: comunicacio@ieec.cat<\/a><\/p>\nLead Researcher at the IEEC<\/h4>\n
Francesc G\u00f2dia<\/h4>\n
Universitat Aut\u00f2noma de Barcelona (UAB)
E-mail: godia@ieec.cat,<\/a> francesc.godia@uab.cat<\/a><\/p>\nAbout the IEEC<\/h2>\n