Scientists from the University of Southampton are developing a dark matter experiment to be conducted in space.

A satellite carrying the experimental device, developed in partnership with Space South Central and the universities of Portsmouth and Surrey under the name Jovian-1, is set to launch early next year.

The team has created a concept they believe could help us understand more about dark matter, a mysterious force that makes up about 85 per cent of the universe.

The device, which weighs 1.5kg, measures tiny signals by firing lasers through graphite sheets levitating in zero gravity.

Once launched, it will orbit the Earth in low orbit for two years, conducting tests.

Physicist Tim Fuchs, said: "There are lots of theories as to what dark matter might be but no experiment on Earth has ever come close to detecting it.

"Dark matter remains one of the fundamental questions scientists are still trying to answer – it dictates the structure of our universe but is still undetectable.

"Our experiment is unlike anything attempted before: we’ll be levitating graphite between magnets which, in zero gravity, are incredibly sensitive to small forces.

"If there is a sufficiently high density of dark matter, a dark ‘wind’ will softly push our levitated particles by an amount we can measure – detecting it for the first time ever.

"The movements of stars and galaxies within the universe can only be explained by the gravitational influence of dark matter."

Dark matter was first identified in the 1930s.

It is invisible and does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it undetectable by telescopes.

However, scientists know it exists due to its gravitational effects on visible matter.

The Jovian-1 satellite, which will carry Southampton's dark matter device, is currently being developed, with various launch options being explored.

The device will conduct its tests while in orbit, contributing to our understanding of this cosmic puzzle.

For more information on space technology being developed by the University of Southampton, visit southampton.ac.uk/aerospace.