IIT Madras Partners with Vellon Space to Propel Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing

IIT Madras is partnering with Vellon Space to push the boundaries of manufacturing research and development beyond Earth. This collaboration aims to fuel scientific progress and lay the foundation for future initiatives in manufacturing within space. Know details here 

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is collaborating with Vellon Space, a space start-up from India to advance extra-terrestrial manufacturing research and development. This partnership represents a crucial step forward in the field of 'Microgravity Research' in orbit. IIT Madras will provide Vellon Space with a Technology Development Fund to support the demonstration of its compact space laboratory, named 'AsteriX Lab', in orbit.

This collaboration between IIT Madras and Vellon Space represents a fusion of innovation and vision, poised to unlock the full potential of space technology and propel humanity into a new era of exploration and discovery. 

Highlighting the importance of this project, Prof. Sathyan Subbiah, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and Co-ordinator, ExTeM-IIT Madras, said, “This demonstration sows the seed for biomanufacturing in space which can revolutionize cell culture and drug development processes in space, ultimately leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and better human health outcomes.

ExTeM-IIT Madras

The 'Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing' research centre (ExTeM-IITM) at IIT Madras serves as the initial client for Vellon Space's demonstration mission in orbit. During this mission, the AsteriX Lab will be subjected to a space qualification process to perform biological experiments, specifically focusing on long-duration cell culture in the microgravity conditions of Lower Earth Orbit. The space demonstration of the AsteriX Lab is anticipated to occur by 2025.

ExTeM-IITM is a group of researchers at IIT Madras teaming up to focus on developing technologies for manufacturing things in space - for space use and for use back on earth.

Elaborating further, Mr. Ajay Kumar, Founder and CEO, Vellon Space, said, “There is a strategic alignment of expertise and resources in this partnership. This joint effort will not only drive scientific advancements but also pave the way for future endeavours in In-Space Manufacturing.”

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