B-LiFE tent during exercise outside Brussels

A space-enabled mobile laboratory that enables first responders to combat biological hazards and infectious diseases rapidly and safely has demonstrated its strengths during a simulated biological incident conducted in Belgium.

The Biological Light Fieldable Laboratory for Emergencies (B-LiFE) is designed to provide rapid identification of pathogens and to do so safely. 

In June 2018, the B-LiFE service was deployed during an international exercise that rehearsed the official response to an imagined biological attack on a capital city that was hosting the finals of the football European champions league.

It acted out a scenario in which a clandestine laboratory was discovered by police, after contaminated pizza was served to VIPs at a celebratory meal ahead of the match.

First responders delivered samples of the suspicious substances to the laboratory for identification. The test results were relayed to the authorities via the telecommunication satellite system.