Solein protein tech moves toward ISS zero-gravity pilot project
The initiative, named HOBI-WAN (Hydrogen Oxidizing Bacteria In Weightlessness As a source of Nutrition), follows Solar Foods' earlier technology program with ESA. The first eight-month phase will produce a ground-based model for scientific verification, addressing questions critical for developing a flight-ready version. If successful, the next phase will focus on building and launching the flight model to the ISS.
Arttu Luukanen, Senior Vice President Space and Defence at Solar Foods, stated, "This would be the first time we will be able to verify that our technology works in space. The aim of the project is to confirm that our organism grows in the space environment as it does on the ground, and to develop the fundamentals of gas fermentation technology to be used in space - something that has never been done before in the history of humankind.
"The behavior of gases and liquids in microgravity is vastly different due to lack of buoyancy which can drastically affect the transport of nutrients and gases for Solein microbes. Gas safety is also of great importance, given that mixtures of Hydrogen and Oxygen gases are present."
OHB brings decades of space experiment experience to the collaboration. Jurgen Kempf, HOBI-WAN Project Manager at OHB, commented, "At OHB, we have been developing, operating and maintaining scientific payloads for the International Space Station for over two decades. Our deep understanding of the ISS environment, combined with our experience in life support and scientific experiment platforms, makes us uniquely positioned to bring Solar Foods' Solein technology into orbit.
"This mission is about more than just testing a novel protein source - it's about exploring how we can sustainably support human life in space. The insights we gain here could also help address global challenges on Earth, such as resource scarcity and food security. We are proud to contribute our expertise to a project that connects space innovation with planetary sustainability."
In 2024, Solar Foods won the international category in NASA and Canadian Space Agency's Deep Space Food Challenge, further highlighting its potential to support future space explorers. Solein technology aims to reduce commercial space habitat resupply requirements for food and water, while providing a source of nutritious protein onboard.
Solar Foods plans to integrate Solein technology with life support systems on future commercial space stations, as well as Moon and Mars surface habitats. Starlab Space CEO and former NASA astronaut Tim Kopra now advises the company on space applications, aiding strategy and roadmap development.
The OHB contract resulted from a competitive tender led by ESA, selecting Solar Foods as a mandatory subcontractor. Solar Foods submitted five tenders with European industry partners, with OHB ultimately chosen. Luukanen noted, "The interest in this invitation to tender by so many prime contractors was overwhelming.
"It serves as an indicator that Solein and Solar Foods are on the radar scope of major space players as well as ESA. This project is just the beginning - We are working towards reaching operational capability: being able to produce Solein in a range of production scales in space. Our vision is that by 2035, Solein is the mainstay protein of space explorers. To reach that vision, several steps of technology maturation are necessary, and this project represents a major milestone on that journey."
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