Resources

Looking to develop and deploy AI/ML models in space?

The AI-Box is a compact, high-performance asset hosted inside the ICF, designed to support on-orbit artificial intelligence applications. Users can upload and run pre-trained models, or even train new ones, directly in the ISS environment.

Ideal for software demonstration and validation, the AI-Box also benefits from a suite of integrated sensors that can enhance crew assistance, health monitoring, or other intelligent edge-computing tasks and solutions. Its flexibility makes it a powerful testbed for your innovative ideas.

Want to connect a specific instrument or device to the AI-Box and the ICE Cubes Facility? Check the Interface Requirements Document to see the technical possibilities. Learn more about it from the factsheet below, explore past missions for inspiration and check out the rest of our Asset Catalogue.

ICE Cubes AI-Box factsheet v1.1

The Science Cube is a compact minilab designed to host a wide range of experiments on board the ISS. Available in two configurations, it offers flexibility to meet a variety scientific and technical needs, both versions supporting remote monitoring and control from the ground, enabling users to interact with their experiments in real time.

• Science Cube Mk1 is a general-purpose version ideal for experiments that do not require active thermal regulation. Suitable for various physical, chemical, or biological studies where ambient conditions are sufficient.
• Science Cube Mk2 is equipped with thermal conditioning capabilities, functioning as an incubator, allowing precise control over temperature-sensitive samples such as living cells, fungi, bacteria, or other biological materials.

The Science Cube has already been used in missions focused on diabetes research and ageing in space, demonstrating its reliability and adaptability across disciplines.

Learn more from the factsheet below to better understand how the Science Cube can support your research goals in orbit. Make sure to explore the rest of our Asset Catalogue.

ICE Cubes Science Cube factsheet v1.1

While a bit different from its counterparts, the Media Set stands out amongst our in-house innovations. Equipped with a high-definition camera and internal microphone, it enables seamless audiovisual communication between the space station and an audience on Earth. It can support a wide range of activities, from live educational sessions and public outreach events to pre-recorded content. It also plays a valuable role in experiment support and monitoring, thanks to its ability to complement various onboard systems and activities.

With over 80 successful live sessions to date, the Media Set will evolve into Mk2 in 2025, retaining its core capabilities while introducing enhanced features for greater performance and flexibility. Moreover, by connecting with other devices it can support applications such as crew assistance, health monitoring, and AI-driven solutions.

Learn more from the factsheet below and explore the rest of our Asset Catalogue.

ICE Cubes Media Set factsheet v1.1

If your work involves protein crystallization or biomaterial synthesis, the Kirara Cube is your go-to platform. Developed by our partner JAMSS, Kirara is a specialized crystallization incubator designed to cultivate high-quality crystals in the unique environment of microgravity, offering results often unattainable on Earth.

Ideal for applications in drug discovery, biomaterial development, and pharmaceutical research, Kirara enables superior crystal formation, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of structural studies. The platform has already achieved remarkable milestones, including the first-ever cellulose synthesis and pioneering COVID-19 drug research in orbit. With five successful missions to date, all hosting multiple research groups within the same cube, Kirara has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective tool for cutting-edge science.

Explore past missions below and discover how you can be part of the next Kirara flight. Check out the rest of our Asset Catalogue.

ICE Cubes Kirara factsheet v1.1

The Calliope Mini is a small single-board computer, designed for educational purposes and present already on-board the ISS. It supports code built with different programming languages, some block-based, making it adaptable to all levels. Thanks to its external connection, it has contact with the ISS environment via our ICF, creating interesting inputs for and from its built-in sensors and actuators. 

For more interactive applications, the on-board crew can help perform the activity while the footage can be streamed to ground. The Calliope provides a fun and straightforward platform for learning activities, hackathons and coding competitions. Take a look at the previous coding challenge, Code4Space, which culminated in an activity conducted in space by ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.

Check out the factsheet below and make sure to explore the rest of our Asset Catalogue.

ICE Cubes Calliope Mini factsheet v1.1

The ICE Cubes Facility (ICF), installed in the European Columbus module of the International Space Station, is the in-orbit home for your research. Designed for flexibility, it can accommodate hardware of various sizes and configurations, supporting a wide range of scientific and technological experiments. With built-in power, data, and real-time connectivity, the facility enables direct interaction with your payload from the ground. Its modular design and proven performance make it an accessible and reliable platform for advancing research across multiple domains in microgravity.

Check out the factsheet and the IRD below, and make sure to explore the rest of our Asset Catalogue.

ICE Cubes ICF factsheet v1.1

ICE-Cubes-Facility-to-Experiment-Cube-IRD

We make it easier for you to kick off the process of getting your project into space. If your research requires a custom setup or new development, please consult the technical documentation below to support your payload design:

• ICE Cubes Experiment Questionnaire – A first step to tell us about your experiment requirements, available in both PDF and Word formats.
• ICE Cubes Facility to Experiment Cube Interface Requirements Document (IRD) – This document provides a comprehensive interface definition between the ICE Cubes Facility (ICF) and an Experiment Cube.

Make sure to explore our Catalogue.