Redwire's SpaceMD to fly 32 research units on SpaceX Starfall in 2028

Space Microgravity Development LLC (SpaceMD), a wholly owned subsidiary of Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), has signed a contract for a mission aboard SpaceX's Starfall spacecraft, planned for launch in 2028.

The mission is designed to carry up to 32 of Redwire's Pharmaceutical In-Space Laboratory units, known as PIL-BOXes. SpaceMD describes the planned flight as the largest dedicated commercial microgravity research mission to date, though that claim has not been independently verified.

SpaceMD said it will develop a new variant of the PIL-BOX specifically for use aboard the Starfall spacecraft. The hardware is intended to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology research conducted in microgravity before samples are returned to Earth for analysis.

According to the company, 54 PIL-BOX systems have flown to the International Space Station since November 2023, with 12 more scheduled for launch in September, October, and December of this year. SpaceMD said it has successfully crystallized 45 unique compounds using the technology, including insulin and molecules targeting cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

"For decades, Redwire has built and operated the infrastructure that has enabled critical progress in microgravity research," said John Vellinger, CEO of SpaceMD. "Now, by combining our flight-proven microgravity payloads, such as PIL-BOX, with SpaceX's innovative transportation capabilities, we're dramatically expanding our ability to serve customers, increase research cadence, and accelerate the creation of life-changing therapies."

Starfall is described by SpaceX as a spacecraft designed to provide routine access to microgravity environments for on-orbit manufacturing, research, and testing. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

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