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Time of India

Axiom's Shubhanshu Shukla to grow methi and moong daal in microgravity as India eyes cultivating food in Space

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is set to become the most science-intensive private mission to the International Space Station. With 60 research projects from 31 countries, including India, Brazil, the United States, Hungary, Nigeria, and the UAE, it represents an unprecedented global collaboration in orbit. Originally scheduled for launch on 22 June from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre, the mission has been postponed. Despite the delay, the science is ready. Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla , now an astronaut, will represent India aboard the ISS, leading a series of complex experiments developed by ISRO and Indian academic institutions. This is India's most research-heavy involvement in an international space mission to date. Also Read: Axiom 4 Launch Live Streaming: India's Shubhanshu Shukla set to launch today: Check full schedule, take-off time and how to watch Growing food for the final frontier ISRO, in partnership with Indian universities, is addressing a fundamental question for space exploration: how to grow food in space. Live Events The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology , along with Kerala Agricultural University, will test six types of crop seeds in microgravity. Once back on Earth, these seeds will be cultivated across generations to observe changes in genetics and select the most viable traits for future space farming . 'We hope to discover space-hardy genes that can revolutionise how we grow food on future Mars or Moon missions,' said Dr S Ajikumar of Kerala Agricultural University. A second experiment, co-ordinated by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and IIT Dharwad, will focus on salad seed germination. Researchers will monitor growth rates, nutritional value, and microbial load to understand how space affects these plants from seed to harvest. Also Read: Cosmic comeback: After 40 years, India embarks on a new space odyssey with IAF's Shubhanshu Shukla aboard Axiom-4 Microscopic Powerhouses: Cyanobacteria and algae Cyanobacteria—photosynthetic bacteria—are being studied for their potential to support life in space. These microbes could produce oxygen, process waste, and even serve as food. ISRO, working with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the European Space Agency (ESA), is sending two cyanobacteria strains into orbit. Scientists will examine their growth, cellular activity, and biochemical responses to microgravity. 'Our goal is to design life support systems where microbes work for us—producing air, processing waste, and even feeding future astronauts,' said Dr Ravi Gupta of ICGEB. A second experiment from ICGEB and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) will explore the behaviour of three strains of microalgae in space. These algae are considered future candidates for producing oxygen and food during long-duration missions. Also Read: Axiom's Shubhanshu Shukla to join elite astronaut club today: From roaring MiGs, Su-30s to floating in microgravity Myogenesis: Fighting space-induced muscle loss Muscle degradation is one of the major physical challenges astronauts face. The Myogenesis experiment, led by the Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), aims to understand why this happens. Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will help conduct this study in space, examining the cellular pathways involved in muscle atrophy and testing potential therapies to counteract it. 'Our research could one day help astronauts stay fit in space—and assist the elderly or immobile patients back on Earth,' said Dr Shruti Naik of InStem. Tardigrades: The space survivors Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny creatures known for their ability to survive extreme environments. The Voyager Tardigrade project, co-ordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), will send these hardy micro-animals to space to study how they revive, reproduce, and adapt. Researchers will compare the space-flown tardigrades with control groups on Earth to understand the biological mechanisms behind their resilience. 'If we can understand how tardigrades survive such harsh conditions, we can potentially design better biological systems and life-support technologies for deep space missions,' said Dr Karan Sinha of IISc. Screens in Space: A new kind of stress test Human-computer interaction changes in space. The Voyager Displays experiment, also from IISc, will study how astronauts respond to digital screens in microgravity. Tasks involving eye movement, screen pointing, and gaze fixation will be analysed alongside the astronauts' reported stress and cognitive load. The goal is to design spacecraft interfaces that reduce fatigue and improve usability under zero-gravity conditions. STEMonstrations: Bringing space into Indian classrooms In addition to scientific studies, ISRO will use this mission to engage students back home. Through four STEMonstration modules, real-time science activities will be shared with Indian schoolchildren. These STEAM-based lessons—combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—aim to inspire and educate students about life and research aboard the ISS. 'These aren't just experiments; they are invitations for Indian students to dream bigger and think beyond Earth,' said an ISRO spokesperson. Axiom Mission 4 is a stepping stone. The research and data gathered will inform India's own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, which plans to send three astronauts to Low Earth Orbit for three days. The technologies and findings from Ax-4's seven experiments—across biology, food science, and systems design—will help lay the scientific and operational groundwork for India's independent entry into human space travel. With this mission, India not only contributes to global science but also tests its capabilities for deeper, longer, and more self-reliant journeys into space. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )