1300+ PAYLOADS LAUNCHED TO-DATE
TURIN, ITALY-JULY 29,2021- The experimental payload known as ReADI FP (REducing Arthritis Dependent Inflammation First Phase) is currently on its way from Italy to Nanoracks’ integration facilities in Houston, TX.
The experiment investigates how a blend of natural bioactive metabolites such as antioxidants, polyphenols and resveratrol extracted from wine pomace can have a protective effect on bone tissue during space flight. The ultimate goal of the experiment is to find operational solutions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of the microgravity environment on astronauts, who during prolonged space flight undergo a deterioration of bone tissue similar to what happens to patients affected by osteoporosis. Indeed, the two conditions are so similar that research in one field could lead to a groundbreaking discovery in the other.
This initiative is the result of a cooperation between Nanoracks Europe and ALI Scarl, Marscenterand Naples’ Federico II University, with contributions from Mastroberardino Winery and BCTrade.
“It is amazing to see how even in a small space laboratory, ReADI FP, there is so much of Earth, from scientific ideas to business challenges. All of this constitutes a prime example of how space is getting increasingly closer to Earth” said Veronica La Regina, CEO of Nanoracks Space Outpost Europe (NRSOE).
About the experiment, Marcello Spagnulo, President of the Mars Center, said “the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol is well-assessed although not deeply investigated. The utilization of what was historically considered a by-product, in this case winemaking, to conduct ground-breaking research in microgravity is a way of involving non-space sectors in the Space Economy. Therefore, this project shows that it is possible to envision new forms of collaborations, initiating a diversification within the space sector to encompass purely commercial activities”.
The FP (first phase) in the title of this project indicates how it wants to be the starting point for the development of solutions addressing once and for all the issues arising from life in microgravity.
This initiative exemplifies Nanoracks’ commitment to working with the existing realities present in the territories the companies operate in to make space truly accessible to everyone.
For additional updates, follow @Nanoracks on Twitter. For media inquiries, please contact D’Mani Harrison-Porter, dharrison-porter@nanoracks.com.
About Nanoracks
Nanoracks LLC, an XO Markets company, is the world’s leading provider of commercial space services. XO Markets is a member of the Voyager Space Holding Inc. family. XO Markets, is majority owned by Voyager Space Holdings Inc. and includes Nanoracks LLC, Nanoracks UAE, DreamUp and Nanoracks Europe.
Nanoracks believes commercial space utilization will enable innovation through in-space manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, fiber optics, and more, will allow for revolutionary Earth observation, and will make space a key player in finding the solution to Earth’s problems.
Today, the company offers low-cost, high-quality solutions to the most pressing needs for satellite deployment, basic and educational research, and more – in over 30 nations worldwide. Nanoracks’ future goals are focused on the re-purposing of the upper stages of launch vehicles in-space and converting these structures into commercial habitats, both humanly and robotically tended, throughout the solar system.
About ALI
“Aerospace Laboratory for Innovative components” is a non-profit consortium company established in 2006 and located within Naples’ industrial area. Amongst the founding shareholders figure 12 companies involved in the advancement of the national aerospace sector. ALI is involved in several national and international programs, especially through project IRENE. IRENE consists of an innovative patented technology that employs an umbrella-like deployable system capable of thermally insulating a spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry while also acting as an aerobrake.
About Marscenter
The Marscenter was founded in 1988 by an intuition of professors Luigi Gerardo Napolitano and Rodolfo Monti of the Federico II University of Naples. During the 80’s and 90’s it was known as the “small-NASA”, being the most advanced research center in Italy and among the first in Europe for scientific experiments and technological in conditions of microgravity. After having conducted and participated to near 100 experiments onboard the Spacelab and the ISS, the company closed in 2010, but in 2019 it was reconstituted with its historical brand in its historical headquarter in the industrial area of east Naples, with the aim to develop new R&D experiments in the frame of New Space Economy.