About us

How it all started

The Space Biology Group was founded in 1977 by Dr. Augusto Cogoli of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) after the European Space Agency (ESA) selected his proposal to study the growth of T-lymphocytes in space. A few years later, the first experiment was sent to space on board the Space Shuttle “Columbia”, on November 28th 1983. Since then, more than 25 research projects have been conducted by the Space Biology Group on crewed space laboratories as well as on automated satellites and on sounding rockets flying under European, Russian and U.S. flag. Page SPACELAB training 1979.

Testing and simulations on ground

Based on 30 years of space related research activity, the staff of Space Biology has gained profound knowledge not only in the realization of biological experiments under the unique environmental condition of low gravity, but also in the design of the supporting infrastructure. Development of flight hardware requires extensive testing for validation and acceptance by the space agencies. Tests are based on biocompatibility, functionality, and reliability. The safety constraints of manned space laboratories as well as constraints in terms of power consumption, weight, volume and limited crew time have significant impact on the experimental design. Experimental space studies are usually optimized on ground by simulations before being sent into space. Simulation of low-gravity on earth is a key component in space related research. For this, the Space Biology Group maintains the necessary infrastructure. Due to the long history of space research, we are today an established and competent centre for the study of space travel influence on cells.

Research on the International Space Station

Low gravity condition as found on the International Space Station (ISS) offers an exceptional environment in which cells cultured in bioreactors exhibit at times fascinating behaviour. This has been attracting numerous scientists from all over the world for many years. Altered cell functions under microgravity condition open up a new field for bioreactor applications that could lead to improved or new biotechnology products. The Space Biology Group offers tools to facilitate biological research on board of the International Space Station - an experimental platform travelling at 28000 km/h about 400 km above our heads. We are prepared to share our knowledge with scientists willing to undertake space research.

Partners and education

The Space Biology Group maintains a close contact to academic and industrial partners, notably throughout Europe and the U.S. Besides the scientific activities, the Space Biology Group is also involved in education. We offer lectures and special courses to university students and scientists, schools, or companies and hold laboratory training in cell biology, instrument development, and offer support for conducting biological experiments in space.