Weird Startup Proposes Dropping Artificial Human Organs From Space

A startup called Inversion Space wants to transport goods by launching them into Earth's orbit, storing them indefinitely up there, and then sending them screaming back to Earth at 25 times the speed of sound.

The Rube Goldberg machine gets even stranger. The New York Times reports that the pitch is that the capsule could drop artificial human organs down to hospitals before they are needed for medical procedures. It's locked down some mainstream support anyway, so it's either a glimpse of the future of space travel or a dire sign.

Funding Secured

The goal of Inversion Space is to create capsule the size of several carry-on suitcases that can both store things in space.

The two young men have secured $10 million in seed money to fund the venture. They joined the Y Combinator scheme, giving it an aura of credibility.

In addition to firing artificial organs down to Earth, the space storage units could also hold mobile hospital units that could be deployed anywhere on the planet.

Reality Check

It's worth pointing out that major advances are necessary for Inversion to realize its mission. Artificial organs don't actually exist yet. It would take a lot more money to launch a spaceship into space and then return it to Earth, which is already cheap enough to deliver medical supplies to most places.

rocket launches are becoming cheaper and more accessible every year. Inversion Space's founders said they designed their capsule to be small enough to fit easily onto any given rocket, effectively acting as cargo stowedaways.

The idea is compelling enough for a major incubator. The logistical hurdles between Inversion Space and its goals feel almost insurmountable, and maybe that is a perfect example of the current commercial spaceflight industry.

The New York Times has a story about dreams of suitcases in space.

Experts say a rusty rocket just smashed into the moon.

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