Overview

• India's first biological experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted during the AXIOM-4 mission, featuring astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
• The experiments focus on studying the effects of microgravity and radiation on edible microalgae and cyanobacteria, exploring their potential as sustainable food sources in space.
• Key goals include analyzing growth parameters, proteomic changes, and metabolic responses of Spirulina and Synechococcus under space conditions.
• The research aims to develop closed-loop recycling systems for carbon and nitrogen from human waste, advancing self-sustaining habitats for long-duration space missions.
• This initiative is part of the BioE3 Biotechnology policy launched in 2024, positioning India as a leader in space biotechnology through international collaboration with NASA and ICGEB.