Mendel University conducts space research in Valašské Meziříčí

Mendel University in Brno is collaborating with the Valašské Meziříčí Observatory to conduct research for future space missions. Using the laboratories at the observatory's Cultural and Creative Center, a research team from the university's Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry is performing experiments focused on organisms that could be utilized in space environments.

The Space Agri Technologies research group is specifically studying the cultivation and optimization of microalgae and cyanobacteria. These experiments aim to prepare for long-term studies that could eventually be launched into Earth's orbit via CubeSats, the European Space Rider cargo spacecraft, or the International Space Station within the next one to three years.

Additional research activities include testing the effects of heavy metals and perchlorates on microalgae, as well as determining photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant parameters in plant samples. The collaboration also supports the NANOSAT educational project, which focuses on nanosatellite technology and space science.