Boeing and CASIS (Center for the Advancement of Science in Space) are the program’s funders. CASIS manages the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory.
The two winners are Redpoint Oncology and Fourier.
Redpoint Oncology
The former, Redpoint Oncology, will be testing a new class of therapies that treat cancers resistant to conventional treatments. This will be using the accelerated progression of cancers in microgravity.
Specifically, its therapy for solid tumors combines antibodies that target cancer cells with a cancer-killing drug in a single antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).
The advantage of space is the research team can evaluate the performance of the ADCs on shorter time scales than is possible on Earth.
Fourier
The latter, Fourier, will test how well its radiation-shielding material protects sensitive electronic devices from the harsh conditions of space.
It has developed a lightweight, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and manufacturing process. It involves the material being heated and shaped to fit around electronic systems. This is to protect them from harmful radiation and provide temperature control. The project will use Aegis Aerospace’s MISSE Flight Facility on the exterior of the space station. It will test CMCs of varying thickness in the real space environment.
They will compare how well the CMCs work compared with current materials in the electronics of satellite systems in LEO.
MassChallenge
“The ISS National Lab congratulates Fourier and RedPoint Oncology as the latest awardees of the Technology in Space Prize,” said Phillip Irace, science program director for the ISS National Lab. “This prize, in collaboration with our partners at Boeing and MassChallenge, focuses on giving startups the opportunity to conduct R&D in low Earth orbit, and it continues to yield innovators who are pushing the limits of this new era of research. We look forward to working with both of these startups.”
Both the winners emerge from the MassChallenge Accelerator for space-based research.
CASIS and Boeing have partnered on the Technology in Space Prize for 11 years. Over that time, they have awarded $20 million to more than 30 projects.
Image: CASIS
See also: ISS National Lab report outlines scope of research in space
