元
A spreadsheet you grow into an app, in one index.html
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What is 元?
元 (formerly Plastron) is a spreadsheet tool that runs entirely in a single index.html file. It allows users to build and grow spreadsheets into functional applications without any server or build step.
元 pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
The website does not disclose specific pricing details, free tier information, or paid plan costs. Plastron offers a consultation-based model where clients arrange for an initial discussion with their Pharma/Biotech/Medical experts to determine how they can help realize commercial objectives in microgravity. Services are customized based on specific opportunities for products under development, suggesting bespoke pricing rather than standardized plans. The company operates as a contract research organization providing outsourced research support, indicating enterprise-level pricing for pharma, biotech, and medical device industries.
元 pros
- End-to-end microgravity service model from ground to orbit and back
- Plastron Deployable Laboratory for payload preparation and post-flight processing
- Portable ISO Class 5 cleanroom solutions for satellite assembly
- Complete CubeSat design, build, and launch services from concept to orbit
- Contract research organization exclusively focused on microgravity life sciences
- Expert space mission consulting and feasibility studies
- Training programs in upstream engineering, propulsion safety, and launch operations
- 75+ space launches completed
- Operates in 23+ countries globally
- 1,812+ students trained in space engineering
- Partnership with Starlab Space for commercial space station access
- Supports protein crystallization, organoid development, and pharmaceutical research
- Simultaneous documentation/replication on earth while monitoring in space
- R&D support for microgravity experiments and space technology innovation
- Bespoke training programs customized for organization's unique needs
元 cons
- Primarily focused on commercial space/microgravity sector with limited terrestrial applications
- Services likely require significant investment for pharma/biotech companies
- Dependent on commercial launch availability and space industry infrastructure
- Limited information on specific pricing tiers or free options
- May have geographic limitations outside UK and Europe despite 23+ country operations
- Complex multi-step process from consultation to recovery requires extended timelines
- Focus on Low Earth Orbit limits access to other orbital destinations
- Training programs may require basic STEM or engineering skills as prerequisites
Frequently asked questions about 元
What is Plastron CRO?
Plastron CRO is a Contract Research Organisation exclusively focused on microgravity life sciences. As a CRO, it provides outsourced research support to the Pharma, Biotech and Medical device industries, delivering an end-to-end service model that encompasses initial consultation, experiment design, launch arrangement, monitoring and management, de-orbit and re-entry, and recovery and delivery.
What services does Plastron offer for microgravity research?
Plastron offers comprehensive microgravity services including initial consultation about microgravity opportunities, collaborative experiment design mindful of the microgravity environment, launch arrangement into orbit, tracking and monitoring experiments in space with optional simultaneous documentation on earth, arranging de-orbit and re-entry, and collecting and delivering the package upon return to earth. They also provide portable ISO Class 5 cleanrooms, CubeSat development, consulting, and R&D support.
What is the Plastron Deployable Laboratory?
The Plastron Deployable Laboratory is a deployable lab designed to support payload preparation at the launch site and post-flight processing in remote locations following splash/crash down. It is a key component of their end-to-end service model incorporating specialist infrastructure for the launch and ISAM sectors.
Which industries does Plastron serve?
Plastron serves the Pharma, Biotech, and Medical device industries through their CRO services. Their sectors include providing solutions for biotech, pharma, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing including product innovation and R&D. They also provide services for companies and individuals in the launch and ISAM sectors.
What training programs does Plastron offer?
Plastron offers four main training programs: Upstream (online and immersive training in systems engineering test best practice), Propulsion Test Safety (from first principles for safe design and test of propulsion systems), Launch Operations (full process of Launch ConOps from pre-launch to post-flight), and Bespoke Training (fully customized programs for organization-specific needs). Their training targets existing operators, newly qualified entrants, and professionals transitioning into Space.
What is Plastron's partnership with Starlab Space about?
Plastron Group and Starlab Space entered an agreement to advance life sciences research and manufacturing in microgravity. Through this partnership, Plastron will provide end-to-end life sciences services supporting protein crystallization, organoid development, and pharmaceutical research in low Earth orbit, expanding access as the commercial space industry transitions beyond the International Space Station.
What are CubeSat services at Plastron?
Plastron provides complete CubeSat design, build, and launch services from concept to orbit. This includes portable ISO Class 5 cleanroom solutions for satellite assembly and integration in your facility, enabling customers to develop and launch their CubeSat missions through Plastron's comprehensive service model.
How many space launches has Plastron completed?
Plastron has undertaken 75+ space launches according to their company statistics. They also have trained 1,812+ students and operate in 23+ countries globally.
What research areas does Plastron support in microgravity?
Plastron supports protein crystallization, organoid development, and pharmaceutical research in low Earth orbit. Their CRO services enable life science research in Microgravity (Low Earth Orbit) with focus on drug and biotech manufacturing in space, which is happening now commercially.
How do I get started with Plastron for my microgravity experiment?
To get started, you arrange for a consultation with one of Plastron's Pharma/Biotech/Medical experts to have an initial discussion about specific opportunities in Microgravity for your products under development. This initial consultation determines how Plastron can help you realize your commercial objectives in microgravity through their end-to-end service model.