Biological research on small satellite platforms is hindered by stringent mass, volume, and power constraints, which often compromise environmental control or complicate operations. In this paper, we documented part of the feasibility study for MEPHI (Space Module for Hydroponic Production), a 2U CubeSat-compatible payload designed as a technology demonstrator for orbital plant growth. It features a compact, autonomous architecture capable of regulating critical developmental variables within a restricted volume. The system integrates active atmospheric control, closed-loop spectral lighting, and a water-free cultivation medium, achieving high-fidelity environmental regulation under strict resource limitations. Our purpose of this work was to register the high level requirements, assumption, constraints and design decisions as part of the Pre-Phase A of this payload poject.
Citation: Franco Spadachini, Sofía Baldoni, Fernando Filippetti, Jorge A. Birgi, Pablo Servidia. MEPHI: A CubeSat biological payload for hydroponic food production demonstration[J]. Metascience in Aerospace, 2026, 3(2): 77-96. doi: 10.3934/mina.2026006
Biological research on small satellite platforms is hindered by stringent mass, volume, and power constraints, which often compromise environmental control or complicate operations. In this paper, we documented part of the feasibility study for MEPHI (Space Module for Hydroponic Production), a 2U CubeSat-compatible payload designed as a technology demonstrator for orbital plant growth. It features a compact, autonomous architecture capable of regulating critical developmental variables within a restricted volume. The system integrates active atmospheric control, closed-loop spectral lighting, and a water-free cultivation medium, achieving high-fidelity environmental regulation under strict resource limitations. Our purpose of this work was to register the high level requirements, assumption, constraints and design decisions as part of the Pre-Phase A of this payload poject.
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Franco Spadachini, Sofía Baldoni, Fernando Filippetti, Jorge A. Birgi, Pablo Servidia. MEPHI: A CubeSat biological payload for hydroponic food production demonstration[J]. Metascience in Aerospace, 2026, 3(2): 77-96. doi: 10.3934/mina.2026006
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