← ALL APPROACHES

03 / EXPERIMENT

Equipment Development

Expand what can be experimented on in space.

Having an opportunity to reach space is not enough. Research also needs the right equipment.

Research instruments used on Earth cannot necessarily be used in space as they are.

They must respond to conditions unique to space, including microgravity, safety, size, power, communications, vibration, and temperature.

LVNS SPACE PROJECT adapts Earth-based instruments and methods for space, then develops them into shared experimental infrastructure that many researchers can use.

We do not only realize one space experiment. We build research infrastructure that the next researcher can use too.

MODEL EXPLAINED / 読み解き

Turn Earth-based research equipment into shared infrastructure for space

We do not simply take Earth-based equipment into orbit. We redesign it for the space environment, validate it through demonstration, and develop it into tools and experiment menus that the next researchers can also use.

Illustration of equipment development
ILLUSTRATED APPROACH / LVNS SPACE PROJECT
INPUT Earth-based research equipment and technology
  • Microscope
  • Culture equipment
  • Sensors
  • Analytical equipment
  • Material evaluation equipment
01

Design for space

We define the use case and requirements for microgravity, safety, size, power, communications, and temperature.

OUTPUT
  • Space-use requirements
  • Adaptation direction
02

Develop the instrument

We create a prototype and operating method that researchers can use while meeting space constraints.

OUTPUT
  • Space-ready prototype
  • Earth test results
03

Demonstrate in space

We verify operation, performance, reliability, and data acquisition in orbit.

OUTPUT
  • Space demonstration data
  • Improvement points
04

Grow a shared tool

We standardize the conditions and procedures so multiple researchers can use a shared experimental base.

OUTPUT
  • Shared experiment tools
  • Standard experiment menu
OUTPUT Shared experimental infrastructure usable in space
  • Cell culture and crystal growth
  • Material evaluation and fluid experiments
  • More users
  • Improvement for the next study
TEAM DESIGN

Roles that grow equipment into infrastructure

Leave a Nest Research Producer / PM

Connects research use with users and manages the whole program

IDDK Space Engineering

Leads space adaptation, technical evaluation, and demonstration

Equipment manufacturer Technology Owner

Provides equipment knowledge, manufacturing, and improvement capability

HOW WE PROCEED

PROCESS

  1. 01Earth research equipment
  2. 02Space adaptation design
  3. 03Instrument development
  4. 04Earth testing
  5. 05Space demonstration
  6. 06Shared experiment tools
  7. 07Standard experiment menu

IN PRACTICE

Research examples

  • 01Cell culture
  • 02Crystal growth
  • 03Material evaluation
  • 04Fluid experiments

We do not build just one experiment. We expand the research that can be done in space.

NEXT APPROACH04 / VALUECreating New Value Standards