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Life Sciences experiments in Space are of interest to exploit the gravitationless environment, both as a new scientific tool which may give access to novel phenomena, and to open the path to potential practical applications on spacecraft. To fully exploit the capabilities which will be offered by the Space Station, the European Space Agency has anticipated future needs by initiating developments in the areas of space bioprocessing. The Bioprocessing Space Technology project (BIOST), funded under the Technology Research Program, addresses the development of novel sophisticated technologies dedicated to study, and exploit, biological cells.

Dedicated technology has been developed to support long-term biological experiments on-board spacecraft. These developments include a microgravity compatible tubular photo bioreactor for the cultivation of micro algae at very high biomass concentrations and with very high gas exchange rates, a microgravity compatible gas / liquid phase separator which also works as a pneumatic low shear-stress pump, a microgravity compatible dehumidifier, and a maltose separating reverse osmosis unit. Integration of these technologies into a partially closed artificial ecosystem form the foundation of the SYMBIOSE concept (System for Microgravity Bioregenerative Support of Experiments).