What Experiments is Shubhanshu Shukla Conducting with Green Gram and Fenugreek Seeds in Space?
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Synopsis
Join Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on a groundbreaking journey aboard the International Space Station as he explores the sprouting of green gram and fenugreek seeds. This innovative project, a collaboration between ISRO, DBT, and NASA, could revolutionize sustainable food production in space and cater to the nutritional needs of astronauts.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut on the ISS.
- The experiment focuses on sprouting green gram and fenugreek seeds.
- The findings may lead to sustainable food production solutions in space.
- This research is a collaboration between ISRO, DBT, and NASA.
- Insights gained could benefit agricultural practices on Earth.
New Delhi, July 9 (NationPress) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Space Mission 4, has been experimenting with sprouting seeds such as green gram and fenugreek in the orbital laboratory, according to NASA.
Shukla holds the distinction of being the first Indian aboard the ISS and the second astronaut from India, after Rakesh Sharma, to venture into space.
During his time in space, Shukla is carrying out a series of experiments created through a partnership involving the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA.
The project, titled Sprouting Salad Seeds in Space (SPROUTS), focuses on sprouting greengram and fenugreek seeds—staples in Indian cuisine—in order to evaluate their growth, nutritional value, hormonal and genetic responses, as well as microbial content.
As ensuring a sufficient food supply for long-duration space missions is both expensive and impractical, findings from the SPROUTS experiment might lead to sustainable food production solutions in space. This research aims to enable astronauts to cultivate plants that can contribute to their diet and overall health.
NASA emphasized, "Plant-based food production systems can significantly contribute to the long-term objectives of human space exploration. The sprouted seeds can deliver a highly nutritious option, offering more nutritional benefits per unit mass compared to fully matured plants."
Moreover, "This study also lays the foundation for future research to develop salad crops tailored for India, ensuring an efficient and sustainable food source for prolonged missions," which signifies a vital step towards addressing the specific dietary requirements of Indian astronauts, as noted by NASA.
The research aims to uncover how the unique conditions of space affect the sprouting rate (germination), nutritional profile, and the behavior of phytohormones during the sprouting process.
Insights gained from sprouting in space might also advance controlled environment agriculture, enhancing the nutritional quality of food produced under challenging terrestrial conditions on Earth, according to the US space agency.
Hailing from Lucknow, Shukla is engaged in a 14-day scientific mission aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 expedition, alongside three other astronauts from the United States, Poland, and Hungary.
Point of View
I believe that Shubhanshu Shukla's experiment on the ISS is not just a scientific endeavor but a demonstration of India's advancing capabilities in space research. The collaboration between ISRO, DBT, and NASA signifies a collective effort to address the challenges of food sustainability in space, which is crucial for future missions. This initiative could also have implications for agricultural practices on Earth, enhancing our understanding of crop growth in extreme conditions.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What seeds is Shubhanshu Shukla experimenting with in space?
Shubhanshu Shukla is experimenting with green gram and fenugreek seeds aboard the International Space Station.
Why is the SPROUTS study important?
The SPROUTS study aims to explore sustainable food production methods for long-duration space missions, addressing the challenges of providing adequate nutrition for astronauts.
What organizations are involved in this research?
The research is a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA.
How could this research impact agriculture on Earth?
Insights from space-based sprouting could enhance controlled environment agriculture, improving the nutritional quality of food grown in challenging conditions on Earth.
What is the significance of this mission for Indian astronauts?
This mission marks a crucial step in developing India-centric food sources for astronauts, catering to their unique dietary needs during space missions.
