Funded by ESA's Terrae Novae Exploration Programme, HOBI-WAN (Hydrogen Oxidizing Bacteria In Weightlessness As a source of Nutrition) will test Solar Foods' gas fermentation technology for producing Solein protein powder in microgravity on the International Space Station (ISS). OHB System AG is the Prime Contractor, collaborating with Solar Foods to adapt the fermentation process for space conditions.
Sustaining nutritious food that fulfills crew energy needs beyond low Earth orbit where Earth resupply is impractical requires cost-efficient alternatives. HOBI-WAN seeks to demonstrate that protein powder production can operate reliably in microgravity using a compact, autonomous system. Special cartridges will supply gases without fluid leaks, crucial for managing hydrogen and oxygen safely in space.
The initial eight-month phase focuses on building a ground-based science model of the Solein production system, followed by manufacturing and testing the flight hardware for launch. The bioreactor uses a bacterial culture fed with hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide from storage tanks, and space-adapted nitrogen sourced from urea rather than ammonia.
This protein-rich powder derives from Xanthobacter fermentation and demands no sunlight or farmland. The experiment will fit into a middeck locker containing incubators, sensors, controllers, and sampling systems. Astronauts will conduct sample extractions during the mission.
Angelique Van Ombergen, ESA's chief exploration scientist, stated, "This project aims at developing a key resource which will allow us to improve human spaceflight's autonomy, resilience and also the well-being of our astronauts."
Jurgen Kempf, HOBI-WAN Project Manager at OHB, said, "Our deep understanding of the ISS environment and life support systems positions us to bring Solar Foods' technology into orbit. The mission contributes knowledge toward sustainable human life support in space and may offer insights into resource and food security on Earth."
Arttu Luukanen, Senior Vice President Space and Defence at Solar Foods, added, "Collaboration with OHB, especially their expertise in safety certification, is critical to designing a system suitable for the space environment and safe operation onboard a manned station."
Related Links
European Space Agency (ESA)
Space Medicine Technology and Systems
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