Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS Experiments 2025

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla made history by participating in the Axiom-4 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During an 18-day stay, Shukla and his team conducted over 60 scientific experiments. These focused on microgravity’s effects on biology, agriculture, human health, and technology. The mission marked India’s first human presence on the ISS and advanced knowledge in space science and sustainability.

Microgravity and Biological Resilience

Shukla studied tardigrades, tiny microorganisms known for surviving extreme conditions. The research examined how an Indian strain adapts to space, shedding light on biological resilience. About these effects helps in long-duration space travel and may have applications in medicine and biotechnology on Earth.

Muscle Development in Space

Experiments on muscle tissue growth, or myogenesis, were conducted to assess the impact of microgravity on human muscles. Space causes muscle loss, and this study aimed to understand the mechanisms involved. could inform treatments for muscle degeneration diseases and improve astronaut health during extended missions.

Seed Germination and Crop Growth

Shukla tested the sprouting of Indian crop seeds like moong and methi in microgravity. Seeds were grown in petri dishes and later frozen on the ISS. This experiment explored how space conditions affect plant development, essential for future space farming and sustainable food supply in orbit.

Oxygen Production Using Cyanobacteria

Two strains of cyanobacteria were studied for their oxygen-producing abilities in space. These aquatic photosynthetic organisms could help recycle air and waste aboard spacecraft. The experiment assessed their growth and efficiency in microgravity, aiding the design of life support systems for deep-space missions.

Microalgae for Food and Fuel

Microalgae, known for rapid growth and nutritional value, were tested to understand their metabolism and genetic activity in zero gravity. This research supports the use of algae as renewable food and biofuel sources in space, contributing to ecological sustainability beyond Earth.

Screen Interaction in Zero Gravity

The Voyager Display experiment analysed how astronauts use screens in microgravity. It studied cognitive load and stress caused by digital interaction in space. Results will help design better onboard interfaces, improving astronaut performance and comfort during missions.

Brain-Computer Interface in Space

Shukla and colleague Slawosz Uznanski performed mental calculations to test brain-to-computer communication. This pioneering experiment marked the first direct brain interaction with computers in space. It opens new possibilities for controlling spacecraft and devices using thoughts alone.

Water Behaviour in Microgravity

A water experiment demonstrated how surface tension governs fluid behaviour in space. Shukla created floating water bubbles, illustrating altered physical laws in zero gravity. Such studies are vital for understanding fluid management in spacecraft systems.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the challenges and solutions in sustaining human life during long-duration space missions.
2. Analyse the impact of microgravity on human physiology and its implications for healthcare on Earth.
3. Examine the role of photosynthetic organisms like cyanobacteria in life support systems for space exploration.
4. Estimate the potential of brain-computer interfaces in enhancing human-machine interaction in extreme environments.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the challenges and solutions in sustaining human life during long-duration space missions.

1. Challenges include muscle atrophy, bone density loss, radiation exposure, psychological stress, and limited resources (food, water, oxygen).
2. Microgravity causes physiological changes like muscle and bone degeneration, requiring countermeasures such as exercise regimes and pharmaceuticals.
3. Life support systems must recycle air, water, and waste efficiently; cyanobacteria and microalgae offer biological recycling and oxygen production solutions.
4. Food production in space involves growing crops (e.g., moong, methi) in microgravity, essential for nutrition and sustainability.
5. Technological aids like brain-computer interfaces and improved digital displays reduce cognitive load and enhance operational efficiency.
6. Psychological support and habitat design are crucial to maintain mental health during isolation and confinement.

2. Analyse the impact of microgravity on human physiology and its implications for healthcare on Earth.

1. Microgravity leads to muscle loss (myogenesis disruption), bone demineralization, cardiovascular changes, and altered immune responses.
2. Studying these effects helps develop treatments for muscle degeneration, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases on Earth.
3. into cellular regeneration and resilience (e.g., tardigrades’ survival mechanisms) can inspire novel biotechnologies and medical therapies.
4. About cognitive load and stress in space informs mental health strategies applicable in extreme or isolated Earth environments.
5. Space research on seed germination and plant growth can improve agricultural practices and food security on Earth.
6. Microgravity experiments reveal fundamental biological processes, advancing regenerative medicine and pharmacology.

3. Examine the role of photosynthetic organisms like cyanobacteria in life support systems for space exploration.

1. Cyanobacteria efficiently produce oxygen through photosynthesis, crucial for maintaining breathable air aboard spacecraft.
2. They recycle carbon and nitrogen, helping manage waste and sustain closed-loop ecosystems in microgravity.
3. Their rapid growth and resilience make them suitable for long-duration missions and deep-space habitats.
4. Studying cyanobacteria in microgravity assesses their metabolic and genetic adaptations, optimizing their use in space.
5. They can potentially provide food supplements and biofuel, supporting sustainability beyond Earth.
6. Integration with other bioregenerative systems enhances life support reliability and reduces resupply dependency.

4. Estimate the potential of brain-computer interfaces in enhancing human-machine interaction in extreme environments.

1. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) enable direct communication between human thoughts and machines, bypassing physical controls.
2. In space, BCIs can reduce cognitive load and improve efficiency by allowing hands-free operation of spacecraft systems and devices.
3. First successful brain-to-computer communication in microgravity demonstrates feasibility in extreme conditions.
4. BCIs can enhance situational awareness, decision-making speed, and multitasking in high-stress environments.
5. Potential applications extend to medical rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and remote operation on Earth.
6. Challenges include signal reliability, user training, and integration with existing systems, but ongoing research is rapidly advancing.