E2cs-046 hobi-WAN phase a/b - expro+

Microbial fermentation has been identified as a promising candidate for food production in space. The outcome of the project will validate the growth, survivability, and stability of the Solar Foods proprietary strain of Xanthobacter Auto thropicus SoF1 in the space environment. It will also provide novel insight into the behaviour of the organism (e.g., gene expression changes) in this new environment, allowing Solar Foods to adapt their technology and parameters accordingly, if necessary. This could include subtle metabolic changes that could affect the need for different minerals, as well as the intracellular composition of the cell. The main objectives of the overall HOBI-WAN project are to:- design, build, and operate a miniature gas fermenting bioreactor onboard the ISS.- conduct a 5-day fermentation onboard the ISS, while successfully collecting data on pH, optical density (OD), dissolved gases, gas consumption, and radiation dose.- conduct a parallel experiment on the ground with a duplicated bioreactor.- conduct sampling and microscopic imaging of samples by the ISS crew (if deemed technically feasible).- freeze experiment on orbit to -80 C and return the samples back to Earth.- analyse the samples on the ground: DNA and RNA sequencing, powder analyses.The overall activity will be divided into two phases. This fiche covers only the activity related to the first phase (phase A/B) of the project. Phase A/B objectives are to:- design a miniature gas fermenting bioreactor, in line with requirements for use onboard the ISS.- build a Science Model that demonstrates the capability to achieve the required scientific performances.- ensure, by test, that the proposed design complies with the safety requirements, focusing in particular on the management of flammable pressurised gasses.At the end of Phase A/B, a go/no go decision for the following phase will be taken. The subsequent phases of the project are anticipated to be placed in Restricted competition among the Phase A/B contractors having successfully completed the Phase A/B. Such following phases will be the subject of a separate procurement proposal. This strategy is aimed at accelerating development to meet key deadlines and ensure readiness prior to the planned deorbiting of the ISS.