Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India’s astronauts, will conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
The experiments—developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA—aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, detailed that the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source.
Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
These specialized kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India’s ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country’s growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology.