In 2025 the SCAMPI team will send Hawaiian red shrimp, macroalgae, and microbes to the International Space Station (ISS) in a self-sustaining ecosphere to better understand how aquatic ecosystems behave in microgravity.
Why? Because creating sustainable ecosystems in space that can support life isn’t just science fiction—it’s essential for the future of long-term human space missions. This knowledge will shape how humans live and thrive beyond Earth. We’re excited to say that SCAMPI will be one of the first ecosystem-level experiments to go to the ISS, allowing us to investigate how biotic and abiotic factors of an environment work differently in microgravity.
The SCAMPI Ecosphere will be hosted on the ISS for 90-180 days and then returned to Earth for analysis. While in orbit, cameras and sensors will capture data on ecosystem changes over time. On the ground, a range of genetic tests will be conducted to evaluate individual and community responses to space stressors. As advocates for Open Science, the team will ensure everything is published and publicly accessible.
How you can help
The mission is funded by a few small grants from universities and the French Space Agency (CNES). The amount raised was sufficient for projected expenses, but meeting the ISS standards required some special components to be manufactured at steep cost.
This fundraiser will help fund the production of the SCAMPI Module hardware, the crucial and lengthy testing phases, and ensure we have the necessary means to fulfill this mission. Every contribution brings us one step closer to democratizing space research—and to shaping the future of life in space.
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Update
We’re incredibly glad to say that we have now closed this fundraiser, after having exceeded our goal!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed, shared, and continues to support the SCAMPI project. Your generosity and enthusiasm drive us forward!
The SCAMPI Team