According to Delta Biosciences founder, Dominykas Milašius, this project marks the company’s entry into a new industry – astrochemistry – where biochemical research is applied to space exploration.
"This project will help expand scientific research in astrochemistry. Our partnership with ESA encouraged us to adapt our biochemical research technologies for space exploration. The recognition by Space-H motivates us even more to contribute to reducing the harmful effects of space on human health. We are now preparing for the next step – experimental validation of our research in orbit. We aim to conduct experiments on the International Space Station and delve deeper into space medicine development," said Milašius.
Head of “Space Hub LT” at Innovation Agency Lithuania, Eglė Elena Šataitė, hopes that the success of Delta Biosciences will serve as an example for other companies and research institutions, and that soon Lithuania could establish itself as a leader in astrochemistry.
"In our 2022 space strategy, we identified that scientific research, innovations, and the knowledge developed in Lithuania’s life sciences sector hold significant potential for the space industry. Together with ESA experts, we strive to ensure that the achievements in this sector gain recognition across Europe, and that Lithuanian life sciences companies and research institutions explore opportunities in space. We organize seminars, individual consultations with ESA experts, and visits – these are important for creating breakthroughs in this field," said Šataitė.
Radiation Protection for Both Astronauts and Cancer Patients
Delta Biosciences is currently focused on developing radioprotective compounds in partnership with ESA, which could protect astronauts from cosmic radiation. These studies are crucial for long-term deep space exploration, especially for planned human missions to the Moon and Mars.
“Our collaboration with Delta Biosciences is part of ESA’s broader strategy to deepen our understanding of how to protect human health during space missions,” commented Dr. Christiane Hahn, Portfolio Scientist at ESA’s Human Exploration Science Team within the Human and Robotic Exploration directorate. “Delta’s innovative approach to radioprotective compounds could support future exploration beyond low Earth orbit.”
Dr. Donatas Žmuidinavičius, Chief Technology Officer at Delta Biosciences, revealed that their work with ESA and Space-H is part of a larger advanced scientific research project with broader applications.
"These studies are important not only for rescue teams and aerospace crews working in extreme conditions, who are regularly exposed to increased radiation, but also have medical benefits for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. We are pursuing a dual-use testing plan – for both Earth and space applications," said Žmuidinavičius.
Focus on Commercial Space Travelers
Delta Biosciences has also become one of twelve companies worldwide selected for the inaugural Space-H Space Health Accelerator group. This program is a unique collaboration among aerospace giants Starburst, NASA’s Human Research Program (NASA HRP), the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), the Methuselah Foundation, and Microsoft. Its focus is on new autonomous health and medical systems required for missions to the Moon, Mars, and for commercial space travelers spending extended periods in low Earth orbit.
“Science accelerators are a great way to spur innovation and technical advancement. That’s why NASA’s so interested in science accelerators focused on space health–as the commercial space sector expands, more people from all walks of life will be going into space. We’re really looking for ideas that will push clinical care in space forward to meet the needs of a larger astronaut pool," said Jancy McPhee, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Human Research Program.
“The Artemis program and the growth of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) economy, including space tourism and in-space research and manufacturing, are creating new opportunities to advance biological research and to support the development of advanced, fully autonomous, medical systems,” said Elizabeth Reynolds, Starburst Managing Director. “New technologies developed in support of space exploration will not only protect space travelers but have the potential to improve healthcare outcomes and equity here on Earth.”
Delta Biosciences is the only European company selected for the Space-H program. Other participants include international pioneers in space health, such as ANYg Bio, Ejenta, Esperto Medical, GattaCo, Innsightful, LinkGevity, Mitrix Bio, Nahlia, NaNotics, Space REDI, and Synapsis Medical.
