  The SSPACE Astrobiology Payload (SAP) series, starting with the SAP-1 project
is designed to conduct in-situ microbiology experiments in low earth orbit.
This payload series aims to understand the behaviour of microbial organisms in
space, particularly those critical for human health, and the corresponding
effects due to microgravity and solar/galactic radiation. SAP-1 focuses on
studying Bacillus clausii and Bacillus coagulans, bacteria beneficial to
humans. It aims to provide a space laboratory for astrobiology experiments
under microgravity conditions. The hardware developed for these experiments is
indigenous and tailored to meet the unique requirements of autonomous
microbiology experiments by controlling pressure, temperature, and nutrition
flow to bacteria. A rotating platform, which forms the core design, is
innovatively utilised to regulate the flow and mixing of nutrients with dormant
bacteria. The technology demonstration models developed at SSPACE have yielded
promising results, with ongoing efforts to refine, adapt for space conditions,
and prepare for integration with nanosatellites or space modules. The
anticipated payload will be compact, approximately 1U in size (10cm x 10cm x
10cm), consume less than 5W power, and offer flexibility for various
microbiological studies.
