ISRO’s Microgravity Research for Axiom-4 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the selection of seven microgravity research experiments for the Axiom-4 mission. This mission will take Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) in May. The selected experiments aim to explore various scientific fields and enhance India’s capabilities in microgravity research.

Overview of Axiom-4 Mission

The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. It marks step in India’s participation in international space exploration. The mission will focus on conducting experiments that leverage the unique microgravity environment of space.

Selected Microgravity Research Experiments

ISRO has shortlisted seven experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from various institutions. These experiments cover a wide range of topics:

• Impact of Microgravity Radiation on Edible Microalgae Conducted by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research.
• Sprouting Salad Seeds in Space This experiment investigates the growth and proteomics responses of cyanobacteria under microgravity conditions. Relevance to Crew Nutrition Conducted by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, this study focuses on nutritional aspects in space.
• Survival and Revival of Eutardigrade Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) will study the survival and reproduction of the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. in space.
• Human Interaction with Electronic Displays This experiment will analyse how humans interact with electronic screens in a microgravity setting, also led by IISc.
• Metabolic Supplements and Muscle Regeneration The Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem) will explore the effects of supplements on muscle recovery in space.
• Growth and Yield Parameters in Food Crop Seeds Conducted by the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Kerala Agricultural University, this research will focus on food crop development in microgravity.

Significance of Microgravity Research

Microgravity research holds promise for advancements in various fields, including human health, physical sciences, and biotechnology. The experiments conducted during the Axiom-4 mission will utilise the ISS’s research facilities. The knowledge gained will encourage a microgravity research ecosystem in India. This will lead to more advanced experiments and enhance India’s space programme.

Future Implications

The experience from these experiments is expected to enrich India’s scientific community. It will encourage collaboration among national R&D laboratories and academic institutions. This initiative aims to position India as a key player in global space research.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the potential impacts of microgravity research on human health and biotechnology.
2. What are the challenges faced by countries in developing their space research capabilities? Comment on India’s current position.
3. Explain the significance of international collaboration in space exploration and research. What examples can you provide?
4. What is the role of microgravity in advancing agricultural research? How can this benefit food security on Earth?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the potential impacts of microgravity research on human health and biotechnology.

1. Microgravity allows for unique biological experiments that can reveal fundamental processes in human health.
2. Research in microgravity can lead to advancements in drug development and novel therapies.
3. Studies on muscle atrophy and bone density loss can inform treatments for aging populations on Earth.
4. Microgravity environments can enhance the understanding of diseases, potentially leading to breakthroughs in biotechnology.
5. Experiments can lead to improved nutritional strategies for astronauts, which can translate to better health solutions on Earth.

2. What are the challenges faced by countries in developing their space research capabilities? Comment on India’s current position.

1. High financial costs and investment required for space missions can be barrier for many countries.
2. Technological limitations and lack of infrastructure hinder the development of robust space programs.
3. Need for skilled workforce and research personnel is critical, often lacking in developing nations.
4. International collaboration can be limited due to geopolitical factors, impacting knowledge sharing.
5. India has made strides with ISRO’s initiatives, showing a growing capability in space research and international partnerships.

3. Explain the significance of international collaboration in space exploration and research. What examples can you provide?

1. International collaboration enhances resource sharing, pooling expertise and technology for complex missions.
2. It encourages peaceful relations and scientific diplomacy among nations, promoting global cooperation.
3. Examples include the International Space Station (ISS), involving multiple countries working together on scientific research.
4. Collaborative missions like Mars exploration (e.g., NASA and ESA) demonstrate shared goals in advancing space science.
5. India’s partnerships with countries like the USA, Russia, and France reflect its growing role in global space research.

4. What is the role of microgravity in advancing agricultural research? How can this benefit food security on Earth?

1. Microgravity allows for the study of plant growth and development in conditions that cannot be replicated on Earth.
2. Research can identify genetic traits that enhance crop resilience and productivity under stress conditions.
3. About plant responses to microgravity can lead to innovations in agricultural practices on Earth.
4. Findings can improve food crop yields, contributing to food security in the face of climate change.
5. Microgravity experiments can help develop sustainable agricultural technologies that can be deployed in challenging environments.