LéoFly, the aeronautics and space association of the Léonard de Vinci cluster, is leading a scientific project that has been pre-selected for the REXUS programme coordinated by the European Space Agency. STAR-D is studying phagocytosis in microgravity using a model organism used in immunology.
This pre-selection paves the way for an in-depth evaluation of the scientific concept presented by the team.
REXUS/BEXUS: a major step forward for student research in microgravity
Access to the REXUS/BEXUS programme represents a significant milestone for teams developing scientific experiments for flight environments.
Each year, the programme offers several European university projects the opportunity to send experiments aboard sounding rockets or stratospheric balloons.
The pre-selection of the STAR-D project places LéoFly at the forefront of European research applied to space conditions.
STAR-D: studying phagocytosis in microgravity conditions: a biological model for immunology
STAR-D focuses on Dictyostelium discoideum, an organism often used as an analogue for human neutrophils.
This model provides insight into certain mechanisms of the innate immune system. The experiment designed by the team aims to analyse the impact of weightlessness on phagocytosis and the relevance of this model in conditions similar to those encountered during space missions.
A protocol designed for the constraints of flight
The experiment must operate in a fully autonomous, on-board module with limited mass. The parameters for triggering, cell observation and data collection comply with the requirements of the REXUS programme, which demands mechanical robustness and the ability to withstand the ascending phase of flight, the rotation of the launch vehicle and the associated vibrations.
The project brings together members of the engineering programmes at ESILV, AgroParisTech, Newcastle University and the University of Vienna.
Two supervisors are overseeing the project: a professor from ESILV and a lecturer-researcher in biosciences from Newcastle University. This diversity of profiles shapes the scientific, biological and technical design of the experimental module.
The REXUS/BEXUS programme: a European framework for student research
REXUS/BEXUS enables teams from European higher education institutions to test scientific devices on board. REXUS rockets reach an altitude of around 90 km thanks to a 290 kg solid propellant motor.
They carry up to 40 kg of experimental modules. BEXUS balloons, with a volume of 12,000 m³, rise to 30 km and offer several hours of experimentation.
The campaigns are managed by EuroLaunch, a joint venture between the Swedish Space Corporation and the MORABA division of the DLR. Experts from DLR, SSC, ZARM and ESA support the teams from selection through to launch.
Towards the Selection Workshop in the Netherlands
The next stage of the STAR-D project is the Selection Workshop. This session brings together the pre-selected teams to compare their proposals with the technical and scientific requirements of the programme. This phase determines the final integration of the project into a REXUS flight.
LéoFly: an association dedicated to aerospace projects
LéoFly brings together the aeronautical and space projects of the Léonard de Vinci Cluster. The association develops rockets, drones and scientific experiments focused on applied research.
The STAR-D project is part of this design and modelling approach, directly linked to the challenges facing the space sector.
The pre-selection of STAR-D highlights a collective effort involving several European institutions working towards a common scientific goal. Integration into the REXUS process also strengthens LéoFly’s position in experimental research in the space environment.
More information about ESILV programmes
This post was last modified on 9 December 2025 3:18 pm