All research experiments proposed as part of the 2024 Space Programs Advancing Research and Commercialization (SPARC) Biotech Challenge must:
- Focus on biotechnology or synthetic biology
- Support the development of a commercial product
- Benefit from access to a microgravity environment
While there is no minimum technical maturity, proposed experiments must begin the pre-flight approval process in April/May 2025 and be ready for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) by August/September 2025. The pre-flight approval process with Rhodium Scientific includes any necessary equipment certification and process design work. Additionally, pre-flight preparation will also ensure that proposed materials comply with all NASA biological and toxicological regulations.
Proposed experiments must not exceed approximately 1 kilogram in total mass (including any on-board instrumentation or equipment) and approximately 1.5 liters of total fluid volume.
Experiments may be on on-board the ISS for as little as five (5) days to as long as 75 days. Researchers needing longer duration stays must be prepared to justify the deviation from practice.
Astronaut interaction with proposed experiments is restricted to one (1) total hour during the duration of the residency aboard the ISS. Consequently, researchers are strongly encouraged to seek out all avenues for automation. Additionally, Rhodium Scientific will assist finalists in the optimization of their on-station experiment, including automation. While this time constraint may appear difficult, roughly 90% of experiments on the ISS required less than 1 hour of astronaut time.
The majority of samples will be stored within freezers aboard the ISS. Some experiments may be placed in on-station incubators as dictated by the experimental design. Rhodium Scientific will collaborate with the selected researcher to determine the optimal flight conditions for their experiment while also complying with all necessary safety and logistical obligations.
Post-flight samples will be delivered to the researcher roughly one week after the return mission. While sample returns within the United States are covered by NASA, international researchers will need to budget for their shipping costs. Proper chain-of-custody documentation will be maintained throughout the duration of the experiment.