Biological module “BiNOM” for cubesats of the SamSat family

Abstract

The biological module BINOM is a platform for multi-purpose biomedical space experiments with a wide range of biological objects (bacteria, algae, fungi, plants, multicomponent ecosystems). It was designed as a payload for SamSat nanosatellites and can be easily mounted on any other space vehicle. The module consists of three main blocks a sealed chamber for biological objects, a life support system, a system of control and measurement supporting scientific data acquisition and pre-processing. The BiNOM interacts with the electronic systems of the nanosatellite with the help of a single four-pin connector. The life support system maintains the required temperature, pressure, humidity and gas mixture composition in the chamber of the biological object. The control system makes it possible to carry out biomedical experiments in the automatic mode according to a specified program or by commands from the ground control post. The control system is designed to measure the parameters of the environment and the biological object. The module supports visualization of objects in the UV-VIS-IR spectral range, fluorescence analysis, temperature and humidity measurement at several points, pressure, concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Additional sensors can be used depending on the goals of the experiment. A module prototype was made and a number of tests were carried out to confirm the adequacy of the engineering solutions proposed. In particular, the vacuum chamber tests showed that the pressure loss in the pressure hull does not exceed 20% per year. A number of biological experiments demonstrated the possibility of initialization, growth and life support of various biological objects during a long, up to two months, period.