On 15 March 2023, another space bioscience experiment launching on a commercial re-supply mission (CRS27) by SpaceX to the International Space Station (ISS) will take place. This mission marks the third space bioscience experiment for the University of Malta and the first time participation for The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), and it is yet another significant milestone for both institutions.
The experiment, titled "Microgravity effects on microbiome studies of Diabetic Patients," aims to investigate how microgravity affects the behavior of foot ulcer microbiomes, a major complication encountered in most patients inflicted with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that regularly have to undergo surgery for amputation.
The project is a true international collaboration between the University of Malta and a number of respected Institutions in the field facilitated by Spaceomix in conjunction with Space Applications 福利在线免费 from Brussels, Belgium; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Metavisionaries based in Oxford, UK and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) whose astronaut forms part of NASA鈥檚 Crew-6 and scheduled to handle Maleth III in space.
MCAST will participate in this mission for their first time by holding a number of seminars, and workshops proposed for their students to learn more about design of experiments, payload integration and electronics involved and 3D printing of cubesats intended for space applications.
This project is an exciting opportunity for the local Academic Institutions and other entities to contribute to the global scientific community and advance our understanding of the impact of microgravity on a wide range of scientific subjects including cell biology.
The results of this experiment could lead to breakthroughs in life science research and treatment modalities. Other avenues of research that will benefit from this project include computer sciences, machine learning, engineering and sciences.
leading this project, stated, "We are thrilled to be embarking on our third space bioscience experiment, and we are honoured to be collaborating with a number of key partners both local and international that include MCAST, Space Applications 福利在线免费, Weill Cornell Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Meta visionaries and the MBRSC. This project should serve as a testament to the innovative research being conducted at the University of Malta and identifying common avenues with MCAST, on how to contribute jointly to the advancement of scientific knowledge."
Dr Leonardo Barilaro from MCAST, also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This is an excellent opportunity for MCAST to participate in cutting-edge scientific research and collaborate with renowned institutions from around the world. Our participation in this project highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in education and research."
The experiment will be launched on 15 March 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and will be conducted on the ISS by the Emirati astronaut Dr Sultan AlNeyadi as part of the Crew-6 mission. All connections will be monitored by Arkafort Ltd. who will relay connectivity between Malta and the ISS.
For more information about this project, please contact [Prof. Joseph Borg for University of Malta and Dr Leonardo Barilaro for MCAST].
