Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 2: India has marked a historic moment in its scientific journey with the launch of its first dedicated space biology experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, referred to as Mission Akash Ganga. These groundbreaking studies, led by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, open new frontiers in understanding how biological systems respond in microgravity and radiation-rich environments.
The ambitious initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the leadership of secretary Dr Rajesh Gokhale. Calling it a ‘floating lab in space,’ Dr Gokhale told NDTV that the mission seeks to answer fundamental questions about human health, bio-sustainability, and space-based manufacturing.
One of the flagship experiments involves studying skeletal muscle stem cells, carried out by Bengaluru’s Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem). The study aims to understand how muscle regeneration is affected in space, where astronauts often suffer from muscle and bone loss. The experiment also explores the role of mitochondria and the effect of compounds like dihydrofolate and thiol-based amino acids in enhancing mitochondrial health—crucial for treating muscle-wasting diseases on Earth.
In another cutting-edge study, researchers from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Delhi, are growing edible microalgae in space. These oxygen-generating, carbon dioxide-absorbing organisms may provide sustainable food and air purification solutions for long-term missions like Gaganyaan.
The mission also includes an experiment with cyanobacteria to explore ‘waste to wealth’ conversion. Scientists are testing whether these microbes can convert nitrogen-rich waste like urine into useful nutrients, potentially creating efficient recycling systems for future space habitats.
In addition, India is examining the growth of crop seeds such as fenugreek and moong in microgravity to study changes in growth patterns and microbial behaviour. These seeds, once returned to Earth, will offer crucial insights into food cultivation beyond our planet.
Other notable studies include the impact of screen exposure on eye health in space, reproductive cycles of resilient microorganisms like tardigrades, and genetic changes in crop seeds exposed to space environments.
These diverse experiments align with India’s Bio-E3 policy — Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment — and reflect the country’s long-term scientific roadmap under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With plans to send an Indian to space by 2027, build a space station by 2035, and land on the moon by 2040, Group Captain Shukla’s mission represents a foundational step toward India’s aspirations in human spaceflight.
Dr Gokhale emphasized that the knowledge from these studies will not only enhance India’s presence in space science but also bring transformative applications back home—from treating muscle diseases and developing sustainable agriculture to capturing industrial emissions using algae.
As India ventures into the unexplored domain of space biology, these early efforts are expected to evolve into path-breaking discoveries, paving the way for a Viksit Bharat through scientific innovation both in orbit and on Earth.