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Biological experiment aboard PERUN rocket – research results

BySpaceForest

A test flight of PERUN rocket was conducted from the training grounds in Ustka in late 2025. The mission allowed for the validation of key elements of the rocket system and procedures for launch, flight and the safe recovery of payloads.

Biological experiment aboard the PERUN rocket – research results

Research Aboard PERUN Rocket

Technological and scientific researches were carried on board the rocket. These included space-grade electronics, telecommunication systems and an innovative time receiver. As part of the mission, medical stability tests of equipment and biological experiments involving microorganisms and seeds were also performed.

TORAF Seed Mission Project

The study of the impact of suborbital conditions on seed performance conducted as part of TORAF Seed is part of a global trend of experiments on future plant cultivation outside Earth and the development of food production systems for long-term space missions. Similar projects are being carried out by NASA among others, which is growing lettuce on the International Space Station.

Research Objective

Following the flight, the accredited TORAF laboratory conducted an assessment of the seeds subjected to suborbital exposure.
The objective of the research was:

  • confirming the biological stability of the seed material after the flight,
  • identifying potentially sensitive plant structures (primary root, hypocotyl, cotyledons),
  • evaluating the effectiveness of payload preparation procedures and the durability of packaging under extreme conditions.

The scientific partners of the project are the Jagiellonian University Medical College (Faculty of Pharmacy) and the University of Silesia. The project is implemented with the support of the City of Kluczbork, which provided honorary patronage for the initiative.

DRO Generator Space-Grade Electronics Results - SpaceForest'experiment from a test rocket flight in Ustka

Research Methodology

Both the seeds that flew on the rocket and the control sample remaining on Earth were placed in identical laboratory conditions. Consequently, the only variable in the experiment was the exposure to suborbital conditions.

For a period of 7 to 14 days, the laboratory monitored the germination process, analyzing:

  • percentage of germinated seeds,
  • germination start time,
  • embryo growth rate and the development of the first plant structures.

For each species and variety, 400 seeds were evaluated in an experimental sample (post-flight) and 400 seeds in a control sample. The control material was stored under stable conditions (10–15°C and 30–40% RH) to minimise physiological ageing processes.

The experimental sample was previously exposed to G-loads, launch and landing vibrations, pressure changes, temperature fluctuations and increased radiation exposure in the upper atmosphere. The possibility of mechanical micro-damage to seed structures was also taken into account.

  • After the PERUN Rocket flight, the accredited TORAF laboratory conducted an assessment of the seeds exposed to suborbital conditions.
  • City of Kluczbork provided honorary patronage for the the project TORAF Seed Mission
  • Research on Polish plant species conducted as part of the TORAF Seed Mission after PERUN suborbital rocket flight.
  • Biological experiment aboard PERUN rocket – research results

Research Results

Results confirmed that, in most cases, germination parameters after the flight were similar to the control sample. Observed differences mainly concerned mortality and primary root morphology.

Key observations:

  • No detectable impact of flight: cress, radish, clover.
  • Moderate sensitivity: tomato and broccoli – decrease in the number of normal seedlings and signs of stress.
  • Stress signals or susceptibility to infection: alfalfa and purslane – increase in the proportion of dead seedlings after flight.

The full report can be found on the TORAF website.

Summary and Conclusions

Laboratory analysis indicates that most of the studied species maintained high viability and germination parameters after the suborbital flight were similar to the control sample. No clear degradation in the quality of the seed material was noted, suggesting high seed resistance to short-term G-loads and pressure changes. The results obtained provide a solid comparative baseline for future missions, though a full assessment of the suborbital environment’s impact requires further repetitions and data from subsequent flights.

Future PERUN Missions and Open Call for Payloads

The TORAF Seed experiment will continue in future missions, allowing for data comparison between subsequent suborbital exposures.

SpaceForest has opened a call for research payloads, scientific experiments and technology validation projects as part of the Boost! program implemented for the European Space Agency (ESA).

In 2026, three suborbital test flights are planned from Portugal, Ustka and Denmark, providing access to a microgravity environment, real rocket launch and flight conditions and safe payload recovery after the mission.

What does SpaceForest offer?

  • flight qualification of payloads and comprehensive technical assessment,
  • engineering support (R&D) for experiment integration,
  • proven launch and recovery procedures ensuring payload safety.

Applications are accepted via the application form. All interested teams will be invited to an online meeting where SpaceForest experts will present details of PERUN rocket system, upcoming missions and the payload qualification and integration process.

Payload recruitment form: [link]

SpaceForest PERUN suborbital rocket – open call for research payloads and experiments 2026