ISRO on AXIOM - 4 mission

"A mission to the beginning of INDIA's human space programme" in the words of pilot Shubhanshu Shukla. After 41 years of Rakesh Sharma's space flight another history has been created as Shubhanshu Shukla became the first indian astronaut to travel to the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION(ISS). A Movement of pride for all the Indians and A step ahead towards a space exploration.

Researches:

1. Life Science: the 'Space Microalgae' Project

Project in collaboration with NASA and Redwire.

• Benefits:

  
  

  • Microalgae provides life support system on long duration space mission by converting CO2 into oxygen & producing nutritious biomass for astronauts.

  • Microalgae can be cultivated in human generated wastes and space derived resources.

  • Used in Bioregenerative Life Support System(BLSS).

  • Possibilities of using them on earth for food solutions where there is limited access to resources.

• Challenges:

  
  

  • Challenges are different like physical , chemical and biological factors within the isolated environment , which are substantially different from terrestrial conditions.

2. Life Science: 'Cyanobacteria'

Partnership with ESA

Cyanobacteria , the name refers to their bluish green color.

• Benefits:

  
  

  • Phototrophic bacteria .

  • Helps to create and sustain the earth's oxygen atmosphere.

  • Obtain biological energy via oxygenic photosynthesis.

  • Nitrogen fixation , thus they can be key players in both the Carbon and Nitrogen cycles.

  
  

• Research:

  
  

  • ISRO aims to understand their growth rates , cellular responses and biochemical activity in microgravity. The research could pave the way integrating these bacteria into spacecraft environmental code systems , enhancing life support for future missions.

3. Muscle Regeneration: 'Effect of Metabolic supplement on muscle regeneration under Microgravity'

Project conducted with NASA and BioServe Space Technology.

• Research:

  
  

  • The Myogenesis - ISRO experiment.

  • Study of how muscle loss occurs in space. Studying skeletal dysfunction in microgravity & explore therapeutic targeting strategies.

    
    

• Benefits:

  
  

  • Scientist hope to find ways to counter muscle loss during extended space mission.

  • The experiment also aims to help people from age - related muscle degeneration or muscular diseases.

4. The 'Sprouting salad seeds in space' Experiment :

ISRO is also exploring the potential of growing crops in space with the collaboration NASA & BioServe Technologies.

• Research:

  
  

  • Sprout - ISRO experiment.

  • focuses on the growth of Green Gram(moong) and Fenugreek(methi) seeds in the space.

    
    

• Benefits:

  
  

  • Study of germination and growth of crop seeds in space flight. How crops may be grown in space for future exploration missions.

  • Help to develop reliable plant based food system for future space mission.

  • Advancement in agriculture methods on the Earth , particularly in resource constrained environment.

5. Tardigrades

with the partnership of NASA and Voyager,

• Benefits:

  
  

  • Tardigrades are known for their survive extreme conditions.

    
    

• Researches:

  
  

  • ISRO studied the resilience of Tardigrades.

  • Revival , survival and reproduction of Tardigrades on the ISS.

  • Comparing gene expression patterns between space flown and ground control populations.

  • Lead to innovate biotechnology application on Earth.

With this,

Congratulations to all on "NATIONAL SPACE DAY".