MinION DNA sequencer blasts off to the International Space Station

At 5.45am this morning the MinION blasted off to the International Space station.

Among the payload was the MinION DNA sequencer. Astronaut Kate Rubins will be performing proof of concept experiments on the space station, to see if the technology can be taken forward to be used in projects to analyse the environment aboard the ISS, astronaut health or even one day to be used to surveil for signs of life further afield.  You can read more about the project at https://dna.space.