Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments, that are anticipated to be conducted on board the International Space Station (ISS) through the upcoming Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4).
The upcoming Ax-4 mission, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is the fourth non-public astronaut mission to the ISS. The mission is probably to be launched in May.
According to ISRO, it has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from numerous nationwide R&D laboratories and tutorial establishments for implementation on the ISS.
Of these R&D laboratories and tutorial establishments, three — Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), and University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad — are based mostly in Karnataka.
The shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments are:
- Impact of Microgravity Radiation in ISS on Edible Microalgae by International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB) and National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Sprouting Salad Seeds in Space
- Comparative development and proteomics responses of cyanobacteria on urea and nitrate in microgravity by ICGEB
- Relevance to Crew Nutrition by University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
- Survival, revival, copy, and transcriptome of the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. BLR pressure in area by IISc
- Analyzing Human Interaction with Electronic Displays in Microgravity by IISc
- Effect of metabolic dietary supplements on muscle regeneration underneath microgravity by Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem)
- Impact of Microgravity on Growth and Yield Parameters in Food Crop Seeds by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Dept. of Space & College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University
According to ISRO, the sector of microgravity research, with potential purposes in numerous areas reminiscent of human well being, bodily and life sciences, materials research, novel pharmaceutical growth and biotechnology, provides important alternatives to the nationwide scientific neighborhood. These experiments will utilise accessible research services on board ISS.
The expertise gained by means of this effort in implementation of those experiments is anticipated to nurture a microgravity research ecosystem in India ensuing within the induction of superior microgravity experiments in numerous disciplines within the Indian area programme.
Published – April 28, 2025 01:05 pm IST
