Fluorescence Microscopy for Space (FLUMIAS)

With the project FLUMIAS we enter new ground: microscopy in space! The aim of the project is to observe living cells with a microscope on the international space station. With an additional centrifuge system it will be possible to investigate cellular processes not only under microgravity conditions as there is on the ISS, but also under "regular" gravity as on earth.

The challenge is to build the microscope as compact and robust so that it works with the same precision after being transported to the ISS in a rocket as on earth. Our first prototype, which flew to the ISS in june 2018, could show this perfectly. Having arrived at the ISS it made high-resolution images of fluorescent living and fixed cells completely automatically.

Now the project enters the second round, where the first prototype will be enhanced to the actual FLUMIAS-microscope.

Partners

  • Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)
  • Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie
  • Airbus Defence and Space GmbH