Bacteria pigments visualise radiation exposure
Published: 2 February 2026
Fashion-meets-space project sends bacteria-dyed fabric to orbit, creating a simple visual indicator of cumulative radiation
Space.com featured our Pigmented Space Pioneers collaboration, which combines fashion design and space engineering to develop bacteria-based dyes that fade in response to radiation exposure.
The concept is intentionally “low-tech”: it does not rely on electronics or batteries, aiming instead for a visually readable indicator that can help astronauts and mission teams understand cumulative exposure beyond Earth’s magnetic protection.
A fabric sample is planned for flight on a PocketQube mission, with onboard imaging used to monitor colour changes over time and assess performance in orbit.
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First published: 2 February 2026
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