Indian Astronaut to Conduct Landmark Food and Nutrition Experiments Aboard ISS on Axiom Mission-4

New Delhi: In a historic step for India’s space ambitions, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today announced that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s trained astronauts, will conduct cutting-edge food and nutrition experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4).

Addressing a media briefing, Dr. Singh revealed that the experiments—jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA—are aimed at advancing space nutrition and building self-sustaining life support systems for long-duration space missions.

“This mission is a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat in space science,” said Dr. Singh, who holds multiple key portfolios including Space, Science & Technology, and Earth Sciences. “For the first time, India will conduct biological experiments on the ISS using indigenously developed biotechnology kits.”

The first experiment will study the growth and behavior of edible microalgae under microgravity and space radiation. These algae are rich in nutrients, grow rapidly, and can support oxygen generation while absorbing carbon dioxide—making them ideal for future closed-loop life support systems in space.

Scientists will examine transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in different algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. The experiments will utilize Indian-designed biotech kits, specially adapted for space conditions, marking a significant milestone in India’s ability to produce world-class tools for extraterrestrial research.

“Some microalgae can double in biomass within 26 hours,” said the Minister. “When grown in photobioreactors, they outperform traditional crops in biomass yield—vital for space missions with limited space and resources.”

The second experiment will assess the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria, particularly Spirulina and Synechococcus, using urea- and nitrate-based media. This research will evaluate their potential as high-protein, vitamin-rich space superfoods and explore the possibility of using nitrogen derived from human waste as a nutrient source—offering critical insights into nutrient recycling in space.

“These microbes could become the cornerstone of carbon and nitrogen recycling in future space habitats,” Dr. Singh emphasized.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as Mission Pilot, will join Commander Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut), and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland/ESA) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary/ESA). Shukla is one of four Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Gp. Capt. Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair designated as his backup.

The Ax-4 mission, facilitated by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, represents India’s first astronaut-led biological research mission aboard the ISS.

To support future initiatives, ISRO and DBT have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) focused on Space Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing. The group is working with institutes such as ICGEB (New Delhi) and BRIC-inStem (Bengaluru) to develop new space experiments and technologies.

The JWG has also proposed a joint Announcement of Opportunity to invite research on in-space manufacturing, bio-regenerative systems, and extra-terrestrial biotechnology for sustained space habitation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that this mission is not just about reaching space, but about reshaping human survival in it. “With these pioneering efforts, India is transitioning from being a launch service provider to a global science leader in space sustainability,” he said.