Design and justification of a partial gravity centrifuge for simulating Europa and Enceladus gravity conditions in the ICE Cubes Facility

Abstract

To support future missions to potentially habitable worlds such as Europa and Enceladus, it is essential to investigate how partial gravity environments affect microorganisms. These studies are key to advancing our understanding of life’s potential origins beyond Earth and to guiding the development of life-detection instruments and methodologies. We propose a compact, space-based centrifuge system, the CAMINO (Centrifuge for Astrobiology and Microgravity-Inspired Novel Observations), designed to simulate partial gravity conditions in orbit. This paper presents the preliminary design and rationale behind CAMINO, aiming to conduct astrobiology experiments under controlled centrifugation in Low Earth Orbit. The concept is intended for integration with commercial platforms such as the ICE Cubes Facility to promote broader access to space-based astrobiology research.