Astrofood, a company supported by the ESA Tech Broker Belgium to develop an automated microalgae photobioreactor with the help of Leap Technologies, has the unique opportunity to collaborate also with the Centre Spatial de Liège (CSL), a world-renowned institution specializing in space optics and payload development. While CSL’s core expertise lies in optical systems, their extensive experience in space hardware development and rigorous testing environments made them an ideal partner for exploring the design and integration of photobioreactors and life support systems for long-duration space missions.
The collaboration extends beyond technical co-development. It focuses on identifying and adapting specific components of CSL’s expertise, infrastructure, and instrumentation for biotechnological applications. CSL has been of incredible value in granting Astrofood access to their facilities and assisting in bridging the gap between optical technologies and the hardware required for biotechnological spaceflight.
In parallel, Astrofood has initiated a few joint-internship programs for bio-engineering students and currently hosts a PhD candidate from the University of Queensland (Australia), who is researching technology transfer opportunities for laser-based light sources, as well as custom spectrophotometric instrumentation for the cultivation of microorganisms.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Astrofood photobioreactors are now operational at CSL, laying the foundation for further integration and the development of advanced system designs. For Astrofood, this collaboration is of critical strategic value: it provides access to cutting-edge infrastructure and a highly skilled network of experts whose insights significantly accelerate our progress.
ESA Spark Funding has enabled Astroofood to invest in key enabling technologies, broadening the scope of the Phase II Spark Funding project far beyond the initial projections. This support has catalyzed R&D advancements in both software and hardware domains. Furthermore, CSL’s global reputation enhanced the company’s credibility and opened new doors for high-level partnerships.