Space Cargo Unlimited
Space Cargo Unlimited
Overview
Space Cargo Unlimited was founded in 2014 by Nicholas Gaume and Emmanuel Etcheparre.
Their headquarters are located in Luxembourg. Space Cargo Unlimited charters working spacecraft with return capacity. The team then conducts research in Low Earth orbit to measure the impact of space environment on numerous products. [1]
Wine Research
Working closely with their biology branch, Space Biology Unlimited, Space Cargo Unlimited launced a private research program on the ISS: Mission WISE with the goal of improving agricultural methods. The name stands for "Vitis Vinum in Spatium Experimentia". Using a Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, loaded onto a Cygnus cargo spacecraft, Space Cargo Unlimited launched a dozen bottles of fine wine into space on November 2nd, 2019. [2]
Complex Micro(μ)-Biological System (CommuBioS) studies the mechanisms taking place in the aging of complex multicomponent liquids in a space environment.
The investigation compares wine samples aged in space and Earth.
It aims to elucidate the role of colloids (such as tannins and polyphenols) and how the space environment affects them.
Comparisons between Earth and space samples allow for the characterization of physical, chemical and organoleptic differences.
Investigation results may advance knowledge on how food compounds change over time.
Components studied in CommuBioS may be applicable in the development of medicine, food production, long-term food storage, agriculture, human health and physiology, among others.
One of the expected outcomes involves development of tailor-made taste and smell components and enhancements for food products
The wine will be kept at a constant temperature of around 18 degrees celsius.
The team hopes to follow in the footsteps of Louis Pasteur, who accidentally discovered pasteurization though experiments with wine fermentation. In that sense, they're hoping their discoveries will have broader implications across the food industry. [2]
The mission's science advisor and the director of a wine research institute at the University of Bordeaux, Professor Philippe Darriet, spoke about their work:
"We postulate that keeping these samples for a while on the ISS with this context of microgravity and micro-radiation could impact those bacterias and presumably it could have a positive impact"
Funding
Space Cargo Unlimited is funded mostly by luxury goods partnerships backed by ultra-wealthy sponsors. Upon return from space, the products become one-of-a-kind. As of November 2019, Space Cargo Unlimited has 5 patrons paying seven figures for a spot. [5]
Partnerships
Space Cargo Unlimited has partered with organizations such as NASA, CNES, SpaceX, Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, ESA, FAU, ISVV, Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman. [4]