A PhD student of the Silesian University of Technology took part in research, which became part of the Ax-4 mission
M.Sc. Arch. Wiktoria Dziaduła, a PhD student from the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology, participated in the work of the team of experts at NASA Kennedy in Florida. The Space Volcanic Algae experiment from Extremo Technologies set off on board of the space mission Ax-4 to the International Space Station with Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski.
Space Volcanic Algae is an Extremo Technologies experiment that involves testing extreme microalgae under microgravity conditions. The tested organisms, resistant to environmental conditions, have the ability to produce oxygen and valuable bioactive compounds, which makes them a potential component of future life support systems in space habitats. The aim of the research is to test the possibility of using these microorganisms in closed space ecosystems and in sustainable architecture systems on Earth.
- All the work on the experiment has been going on for over 1.5 years – says Wiktoria Dziaduła. - These were preparations, research, constructing an experiment within the framework of the IGNIS mission - the first Polish technological and scientific mission organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the Polish Space Agency, and the European Space Agency. Of course, the launch of the rocket on June 25 was a key moment for the experiment to be in orbit under the supervision of Dr Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski. However, this is not the end, because after returning from orbit, we organize an analogous comparable experiment in our laboratory at Extremo Technologies.
The project refers directly to the subject of Wiktoria Dziaduła’s doctoral thesis, entitled: “Architecture in Extreme Conditions: The problem of Self-Sufficiency in Space Architecture and its Impact on Sustainable Development,” led by Dr Hab. Eng. Arch. Klaudiusz Fross, Prof. SUT. The work explores architecture in extreme conditions and the possibility of adapting space solutions to the challenges of modern ecological construction.
- Participation in this project was one of the most important experiences in the current scientific and professional work. The opportunity to work on such a project and in such a legendary place as Kennedy Space Centre, where we prepared an experiment before the launch, was an extraordinary experience, both professionally and personally. This is the moment that confirmed my belief that courage in thinking, consistency and passion can lead really far – explains the doctoral student of our University.
It is worth adding that the Space Architecture Research Program created in 2017 under the direction of Prof. Klaudiusz Fross enabled the PhD student Victoria Dziaduła-Crisosto to develop cosmic passions and led to this great moment. As part of the program, the PhD student participated in analogue space missions and study visits to space habitats in Poland and abroad, gave a lecture at the International Astronautical Congress in Paris, participated in the APA Mars Mission project and in many publications on the subject of space.
Congratulations and we wish you good luck in the implementation of the experiment and further research.
