Azenta Life Sciences, a global provider of life sciences solutions, and Frontier Space, a space biotech company advancing in-space biomanufacturing, research, and development, announced a research partnership on February 9th, 2026. The collaboration includes participation in the recently launched Early Gen Micro-Gravity Service (EGGS-2) mission, which is designed to evaluate life science technologies in a real space and launch environment.
According to a company press release, the unique conditions found in space can accelerate key biological processes, supporting faster scientific learning cycles and the ability to study phenomena in a manner difficult to replicate on Earth. This space mission was designed to evaluate Frontier’s SpaceLab Mk2 research platform, and in specific the platform’s active thermal management capabilities, including temperature control and thermal cycling systems. Through the collaboration, Azenta also sent 42 passive experimental samples using its FluidX 0.26 mL tubes with the intent of assisting in generating dependable data for the space-based experiments, as well as evaluating its own capabilities in emerging research environments.
“SpaceLab Mk 2 is a critical demonstration of our technology’s readiness for orbital operations. By verifying our systems in real space conditions, we’re building confidence in our platform and enabling faster iteration of technology development,” said Dr. Aqeel Shamsul, CEO, Frontier Space, in the release. “Working with trusted partners like Azenta, whose sample storage technology brings proven reliability and integrity to spaceflight conditions, is essential as we validate the foundations for future life sciences research in orbit. The success of EGGS-2 brings us closer to a future where pharmaceutical research and biomanufacturing beyond Earth become routine.”
“We are thrilled to see FluidX technology playing a key role in this important early-stage mission. Engineered to perform under the most demanding conditions – now including spaceflight – our sample storage tubes provide the reliability and integrity needed for experiments in microgravity,” said Michael Bussmann, Vice President and General Manager, Consumables and Instruments, Azenta Life Sciences, in the release. “By supporting Frontier’s SpaceLab platform during spaceflight testing, we are helping lay the foundation for future biological and pharmaceutical research studies conducted in space and supporting our customers as they explore emerging research environments and advance scientific understanding.”
