One of the main challenges to be faced in deep space missions is to protect the health and ensure the maximum efficiency of the crew by preparing methods of prevention and in situ diagnosis. Indeed, the hostile environment causes important health problems, ranging from muscle atrophy, osteopenia, and immunological and metabolic alterations due to microgravity, to an increased risk of cancer caused by exposure to radiation. It is, therefore, necessary to provide new methods for the real-time measurement of biomarkers suitable for deepening our knowledge of the effects of space flight on the balance of the immune system and for allowing the monitoring of the astronaut’s health during long-term missions. APHRODITE will enable human space exploration because it fills this void that affects both missions in LEO and future missions to the Moon and Mars. Its scientific objectives are the design, production, testing, and in-orbit demonstration of a compact, reusable, and reconfigurable system for performing the real-time analysis of oral fluid samples in manned space missions. In the frame of this project, a crew member onboard the ISS will employ APHRODITE to measure the selected target analytes, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), in oral fluid, in four (plus one additional desired session) separate experiment sessions. The paper addresses the design of the main subsystems of the analytical device and the preliminary results obtained during the first implementations of the device subsystems and testing measurements on Earth. In particular, the system design and the experiment data output of the lab-on-chip photosensors and of the front-end readout electronics are reported in detail along with preliminary chemical tests for the duplex competitive CL-immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of cortisol and DHEA-S. Different applications also on Earth are envisaged for the APHRODITE device, as it will be suitable for point-of-care testing applications (e.g., emergency medicine, bioterrorism, diagnostics in developing countries, etc.).

The Biofilm Onboard Radiation Exposure Assessment Lab In Space (BOREALIS) mission is a 6U CubeSat initiative funded by the Italian Space Agency under the ALCOR program, executed through a collaboration among the School of Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome, Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI Aerospace) of the University of Bologna and Kayser Italia Srl. BOREALIS is equipped with a lab-on-chip payload for studying the effects of microgravity and ionising radiation on microbial biofilms, which are crucial for understanding and preventing persistent infections in space environments. The satellite will operate across multiple orbits, moving from low to medium Earth orbit, to distinctly analyse the impacts of radiation separate from microgravity. The required orbital transfer not only tests the autonomy of its on-board systems in challenging conditions but also places BOREALIS among the first and few CubeSats to have ever attempted such a complex manoeuvre. This study explores the systematic application of Model-Based Systems Engineering to satellite design, from conceptualisation to trade-offs, using a tradespace analysis approach supported by Monte Carlo simulations to optimise mission configurations against performance and cost. Additionally, the adaptability of Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and the reusability of such an approach for other satellite projects are discussed, illustrating the BOREALIS mission as a case study for small mission design considering constraints and requirements.

Long-term deep space missions present critical health challenges due to prolonged exposure to space radiation and microgravity, leading to significant physiological risks for astronauts. Galactic cosmic rays, in particular, can penetrate conventional shielding and produce harmful secondary particles, emphasizing the need for innovative in-situ solutions to study the effects of these environmental conditions on astronauts' health and mitigate the risks. We have developed an advanced lab-on-chip system designed for real-time monitoring and precise environmental control, which allows us to detect changes in living cells throughout a long-term space mission. The system is equipped with integrated photo and thermal sensors based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon functional layers and resistive heating elements for continuous environmental monitoring and precise temperature regulation. By using a modular and adaptable fabrication approach-combining laser-cut polymethyl methacrylate components, adhesive bonding, and thin-film integration-our design enables rapid prototyping and customization for various mission needs. Our platform features a tapered culture chamber that employs both passive and active fluid management techniques to maintain stable liquid positioning. This is achieved through feedback-controlled pressure modulation, addressing the unique challenges of fluid dynamics in space. We validated the system through a series of simulations and experiments demonstrating effective fluid management and accurate environmental control, essential for future biological research in space. Our results underscore the potential of this low-power, automated, and highly compact lab-on-chip solution to advance the study of space radiation effects and contribute to safer, long-duration crewed missions.