Abstract EANA2024-69

The Mini Fluorescence Microscope (MFM), developed by Aboa Space Research Oy (ASRO) in collaboration with the University of Turku, is a compact space instrument designed for high-resolution imaging of cellular processes. Its objective is to enable in-situ, real-time study of the effects of space environment on biological systems, such as cellular responses to microgravity and ionizing radiation. A prototype of the MFM has been developed under ESA activity. Despite its compact size (83 mm x 42 mm x 33 mm), the microscope achieves a spatial resolution of 530 nm, that is comparable to conventional benchtop fluorescence microscopes. 

The MFM is designed to suit a wide range of scientific applications. These could include researching human physiology in space and supporting the development of countermeasures for long-duration space missions, study of microbial survival and adaptation in space environment, and gaining insights into the potential for extraterrestrial life and the risks of interplanetary contamination. Even further, MFM could support missions to potentially habitable environments. Beyond space applications, the MFM's small size and portability make it suitable for field studies, e.g., in terrestrial analogue sites.   

Further development of the MFM for space applications is currently on-going. As a baseline, the instrument is developed to be compatible with the ICE Cubes platform on the International Space Station, but the objective is to create a versatile instrument adaptable to various platforms, including other ISS experiment platforms and CubeSats, with minor modifications.