Will Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Transform Space Nutrition?
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Synopsis
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is ready to embark on a revolutionary journey aboard the ISS, conducting critical food and nutrition experiments. This initiative not only highlights India's scientific prowess but also aims to pave the way for sustainable life support systems essential for future space exploration.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla conducts pioneering experiments in space.
- Collaboration between ISRO, DBT, and NASA.
- Focus on microalgae and cyanobacteria for sustainable nutrition.
- Indigenous biotechnology kits developed for microgravity.
- Significant step for India's space research capabilities.
New Delhi, May 31 (NationPress) Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to carry out groundbreaking food and nutrition experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the forthcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), as announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday.
The experiments, designed through a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with assistance from NASA, aim to innovate space nutrition and develop self-sustaining life support systems essential for extended missions in space.
Dr. Singh indicated that the initial ISS experiment will investigate how microgravity and space radiation affect edible microalgae, a highly promising and nutrient-dense food source.
This study will analyze significant growth parameters and the variations in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of different algal species in the unique environment of space compared to Earth.
As an illustration of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the space biology experiments will utilize biotechnology kits developed locally under the DBT.
These specialized kits, crafted for microgravity environments, have been meticulously designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure accuracy and dependability in space research.
Their utilization signifies a pivotal achievement in India's capability to provide top-tier scientific tools for cutting-edge research and highlights the country's increasing self-sufficiency in vital technologies for both space exploration and biotechnology.
“Microalgae grow swiftly, yield high-protein biomass, consume carbon dioxide, and release oxygen — rendering them ideal candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems,” stated Dr. Singh.
The second experiment will explore the growth and proteomic responses of cyanobacteria, particularly Spirulina and Synechococcus, under microgravity conditions, utilizing urea- and nitrate-based growth media.
This research will assess the potential of Spirulina as a space “superfood” due to its high protein and vitamin levels, examine the viability of utilizing nitrogen sources from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial development, and investigate how microgravity influences cellular metabolism and biological efficiency.
Such findings are crucial for the advancement of closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems that are vital for lengthy space missions.
“These organisms could play a pivotal role in carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats,” the minister remarked.
Shukla is among the first cohort of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair acting as his designated backup.
The Ax-4 mission, orchestrated by Axiom Space and launched via the SpaceX Falcon 9, marks a significant milestone for India as it embarks on its first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments aboard the ISS.
Point of View
The announcement of Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to the ISS is a testament to India's advancements in space science and technology. This initiative not only showcases India's growing expertise in food and nutrition research but also emphasizes our commitment to becoming a self-reliant nation in critical technological domains.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What experiments will Shubhanshu Shukla conduct in space?
Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct food and nutrition experiments focusing on edible microalgae and cyanobacteria to explore their growth under microgravity conditions.
Who is collaborating on these experiments?
The experiments are a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA.
What is the significance of microalgae in space?
Microalgae are important as they can provide sustainable nutrition, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen, making them ideal for long-duration space missions.
What role does the DBT play in this mission?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is responsible for developing the indigenous biotechnology kits that will be used for the experiments.
How does this mission contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat?
The mission exemplifies Atmanirbhar Bharat by showcasing India's self-reliance in developing scientific tools and research capabilities for space exploration.
