Meet the Team: MVIPER
The Magnetohydrodynamic Vortex-Inducing Photobioreactor Experiment (MVIPER) investigates a novel photobioreactor concept for microalgae cultivation using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive technology to provide liquid-gas phase separation in microgravity. As part of the ESA Academy Experiments Programme, the experiment will fly on board the Novespace Airbus A310 AirZeroG from Bordeaux in September 2025.
The MVIPER team consists of six core members: Lina Salman, Matthias Kura, Fabio Schäfer, Luisa Metten, Pablo Martín-Carrilero, and Alex Zieser; as well as several supporting members, all from the Professorship of Human Spaceflight Technology at the Technical University of Munich. The experiment aims to pave the way to a novel bio-regenerative life support systems architecture.
With ambitions to send astronauts on missions of increasing duration and distance from Earth, biological and hybrid life support systems based on microalgae are currently being researched for air revitalization, food production, and wastewater treatment.
MVIPER is investigating a photobioreactor concept utilising magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive technology to propel a conductive liquid within a cylindrical reactor chamber, inducing a vortex to provide liquid-gas phase separation. In particular, the experiment studies the vortex flow behaviour as well as the phase separation capability by tracking gas bubbles.
Encouraging Young Scientists: the MVIPER DIY Project
In addition to the experiment itself, the team, pursuing the objective of encouraging others towards space research, supervises teams of bachelor students for engineering projects. The goal: develop a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kit for school students and young scientists to take home and try their hand at the scientific principles that power the MVIPER experiment. The team hopes to broaden the appeal of their experiment, from just the scientific community and space fans to the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
Interested in following how the MVIPER experiment, and DIY kits turn out? You can find their events, milestones, and updates on their social media platforms (Instagram and LinkedIn) and their website.