On 29 January, the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) hosted a Danish delegation, including European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, together with the Lithuanian Innovation Agency’s Eglė Elena Šataitė. The guests visited the VU Life Sciences Center’s Bioanalysis Department, where they met with scientists Dr. Marius Dagys and Dr. Dalius Ratautas.
During the visit, VU LSC researchers presented ongoing projects aimed at enabling reliable biomedical analysis in space conditions. Particular attention was given to the Aminometer, developed within the ESA-funded AminoSpace project, as well as to the team’s current work on MicrobeCard. The discussions extended beyond theoretical presentations, addressing real-world operational constraints and the practical realities of using diagnostic systems in spaceflight conditions. These first-hand insights from space missions are essential for further technology development. Feedback on blood analysis procedures, contamination monitoring, and decision-making processes under actual spaceflight conditions helps to understand better how diagnostic tools are perceived, used, and trusted in orbit.
ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen shared his experience from long-duration ISS missions, offering a practical reality check on biomedical measurements. His operational perspective highlighted the importance of diagnostics that function flawlessly under extreme constraints.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives and align research efforts with real operational needs. Such dialogue supports continued collaboration and informed development of future space-related technologies.
