India’s First Space Biology Experiments Aboard ISS

PWOnlyIAS

May 16, 2025

India’s First Space Biology Experiments Aboard ISS

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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)

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