Glasgow, UK – OCULLOSPACE is pleased to announce the signing of a launch contract with Alba Orbital on 9th April 2025, a leading provider of PocketQube satellite launch services. This partnership will facilitate the deployment of OCULLOSPACE’s “Elephant Juice” mission, utilising the DECIMAL-SAT1 1P PocketQube satellite, aboard Alba Orbital’s scheduled SpaceX launch in the first quarter of 2026.
This agreement represents a significant step forward in OCULLOSPACE’s commitment to democratising access to space technology for educational purposes, particularly within Southeast Asia.
Mission Overview: Pioneering DNA Data Storage in Orbit
The “Elephant Juice” mission aims to explore the feasibility of long-term data storage in space using DNA encoding. The DECIMAL-SAT1 satellite will carry a specialised payload, developed in collaboration with BioSistemika and XexiconSat, capable of storing digital information within synthetic DNA sequences.
Participants will have the opportunity to encode personal messages into these DNA sequences, creating a unique biological archive that will remain in orbit for an extended period. This mission leverages the exceptional storage density and longevity of DNA, offering a novel approach to preserving human expression beyond Earth.
Drawing Inspiration from the Voyager Golden Record
The “Elephant Juice” mission is conceptually inspired by NASA’s Voyager Golden Record, launched in 1977. That mission carried a record of sounds and images representing humanity to potential extraterrestrial civilisations. OCULLOSPACE seeks to extend this concept, enabling individuals to contribute their own digital narratives to a collective orbital archive.
Educational Outreach and Philanthropic Impact
Beyond technological advancement, the “Elephant Juice” mission is designed to foster educational engagement and support philanthropic initiatives. Participation in the mission will contribute to funding non-governmental organisations dedicated to empowering children and facilitating their educational development.
The DECIMAL-SAT1 satellite will be deployed into low Earth orbit using Alba Orbital’s established AlbaPod deployer, a system with a proven track record of successful satellite deployments. This deployment will provide a valuable opportunity for scientific exploration and educational outreach, showcasing the potential of space technology to inspire future generations.
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About OCULLOSPACE
OCULLOSPACE is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of space technologists across the ASEAN region. We achieve this through immersive, project-based learning initiatives, equipping students with essential skills and fostering pathways to meaningful careers within the space sector. Our pioneering “Elephant Juice” mission exemplifies this commitment, offering a unique opportunity to encode personal narratives into DNA and launch them into Earth orbit, creating enduring legacies within the cosmos.
Discover more about our work and the “Elephant Juice” mission at www.ocullospace.com and www.elephantjuice.org.
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About Alba Orbital
Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company, having delivered 53 pico-satellites on orbit to date. Alba is a vertically integrated NewSpace company ‘democratising access to space,’ providing turnkey solutions from advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services. Alba has worked with over 30 customers across the globe. Contact: contact@albaorbital.com.
