India has announced its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to Study Sustainability of Human Life in Space.
- The initiative is part of the broader BioE3 Biotechnology Policy launched in 2024.
- This is a collaborative mission between ISRO, NASA, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Ministry of Science and Technology of India.
- It will be conducted as part of the AXIOM-4 mission, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the first Indian astronaut participating in space biology research aboard the ISS.
Key Highlights of the Experiments
- Microalgae Experiment: Sustainable Nutrition in Space
- Objective: To study the impact of microgravity and radiation on the growth of edible microalgae.
- Microalgae are nutrient-rich, fast-growing organisms with high protein and oxygen generation potential—critical for long-duration space missions.
- Expected Outcome: Identification of algal species most suitable for food, oxygen production, and CO₂ recycling in space environments.
- Cyanobacteria Experiment: Waste Recycling and Superfood Potential
- Organisms: Study metabolic adaptation and growth in microgravity of Cyanobacteria such as Spirulina and Synechococcus.
- Mediums used: Urea-based vs. nitrate-based nutrient environments.
- Goals:
- Explore Spirulina’s potential as a “superfood” due to its high protein and vitamin content.
- Examine cyanobacteria’s role in recycling carbon and nitrogen from human waste to support self-sustaining extraterrestrial habitats.
Significance
1. Pioneering Space Biotechnology for Sustainability
India’s first biological experiments in space represent a strategic leap toward sustainable human life in outer space.
These experiments support:
- Life support systems through oxygen generation and food production.
- Closed-loop recycling of nutrients and waste on spacecraft and space habitats.
2. Advancing the BioE3 Vision
The experiments are embedded within the BioE3 Policy, aimed at promoting:
- High-performance biomanufacturing.
- Innovation in sectors like smart proteins, carbon capture, precision therapeutics, and space research.
3. Strengthening International Collaborations
India’s participation in the AXIOM-4 ISS mission marks enhanced cooperation with NASA and other global research bodies, elevating its stature in space and biological sciences.
Additional Reading: BioE3 Biotechnology Policy; India’s Bioeconomy; Bio Manufacturing and Biofoundry; Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4)
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.