After an exciting flight that launched March 15 2023 with SpaceX CRS-27, Maleth-III is currently hosted on the ICE Cubes Service platform in the Columbus module.
While this is the third Maleth Cube to fly onboard the ISS, it is the first to unite scientists from different parts of the world in a truly international collaboration. The mission combines the inputs of scientists in the USA and UK, samples from Saudi Arabia and Malta; is led by Prof. Joseph Borg, and partnered with Metavisionaries and ICE Cubes. On the ISS, the Cube will be handled by UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi. Maleth III is a first pilot example mission of our global network of Space Innovation Labs, initiated by Metavisionaries and Space Application Services.
Project Maleth explores the effects of microgravity on human skin tissue microbiome of diabetic foot ulcers, with the aim of creating effective treatment for diabetic patients. The research has both terrestrial and space applicability, for patients on Earth as well as astronauts on missions on the ISS; and in the future, Mars and the Moon.
ICE Cubes Business Developer Hilde Stenuit elaborates, “We at ICE Cubes are honoured to be able to enable international collaboration at this scale through our service and platform. As a commercial service provider, we offer access to our research facilities to empower scientists worldwide to make groundbreaking discoveries in microgravity.”
Maleth III uses the ‘ScienceCube’ a modular experimental Cube developed by ICE Cubes that allows for in-situ monitoring. The research payload went through integrated tests at the Space Applications Services’ headquarters in Brussels, Belgium to verify interfaces and operational procedures, before heading out to the USA for launch to space.
The ICE Cubes Service by Space Applications Services provides an end-to-end service for customers wishing to access microgravity. It unlocks the advantages of research in space by providing an in-orbit testbed for new concepts, applications, products and solutions. Among its expansive portfolio, the platform hosted the first Covid-19 drug research in space.
More on Project Maleth III: https://bsgn.esa.int/2023/03/13/maleth-iii-experiment-ready-for-the-iss/
Image and Video Credits: Dr Leonardo Barilaro, SpaceOmix
News/SpaceApps/Communications & Media/Ruth Chatukuta
