SpaceBorn United: Exploring the Possibility of Human Reproduction in Space

SpaceBorn United, a biotech startup, plans to send a mini lab into low Earth orbit next year to study human reproduction away from Earth. The CEO, Egbert Edelbroek, aims to explore the possibility of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in space and understand the effects of space on the human reproductive system. With the rise of space tourism, it is crucial to prepare for potential pregnancies in space. While some animal studies suggest normal reproductive function in space, others indicate potential complications. The mini lab, about the size of a shoebox, will systematically isolate each step of the reproductive process and replicate different gravitational environments. The embryos will be cryogenically frozen for their return to Earth.