India has officially entered the space biology era with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla undertaking seven experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Mission Akash Ganga. These experiments, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), explore the effects of microgravity and space radiation on muscle regeneration, algae cultivation, and nutrient recycling. This marks a significant milestone in India's scientific and technological journey, with the goal of understanding how biological systems adapt to the unique conditions of space.

Muscle Stem Cell Regeneration

One of the primary experiments focuses on skeletal muscle stem cells, led by the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem) in Bengaluru. This study investigates how microgravity affects muscle tissue regeneration. Astronauts often experience muscle and bone loss in space, and this research aims to determine if the regenerative capacity of muscle stem cells is compromised in microgravity. The experiment also explores the role of mitochondria – the cell's powerhouse – in maintaining muscle health, and the potential of certain supplements to improve muscle repair in microgravity. The findings could lead to therapies for muscle-wasting diseases and age-related muscle loss on Earth, as well as strategies to maintain astronaut health during long space missions. Shukla began this experiment on June 28, working in the Life Sciences Glovebox to check muscle stem cell cultures.

Microalgae Cultivation

Another key experiment involves cultivating edible microalgae in space. This study, conducted by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Delhi, examines how different species of microalgae adapt to space conditions. Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them ideal candidates for life support systems in space. They are also nutrient-rich and fast-growing, offering a potential food source for long-duration missions. The goal is to identify algal species that are most suitable for food, oxygen production, and carbon dioxide recycling in space environments. If methods are developed to grow them in larger quantities, it could significantly aid food security on Earth.

Cyanobacteria and Nutrient Recycling

An innovative experiment focuses on cyanobacteria, which can recycle nutrients. This study investigates how cyanobacteria assimilate nitrogen from both organic (urea) and inorganic (nitrate) sources, potentially creating efficient nutrient recycling systems for future space stations and planetary habitats. Human urine, rich in urea and nitrogen, presents a challenge in closed-loop space environments, and understanding how these bacteria function in microgravity could lead to efficient waste management solutions. Spirulina, a type of cyanobacteria, is being explored for its potential as a "superfood" due to its high protein and vitamin content.

Other Experiments

In addition to these primary studies, India is also conducting experiments on seed sprouting, involving crops like fenugreek and green gram. These seeds are being grown in space to observe changes in growth patterns and microbial interactions. Although the sprouted seeds will not be consumed during the mission, they will be returned to Earth for detailed analysis to understand how Indian crop varieties respond to space conditions, potentially paving the way for space farming. Another intriguing experiment involves tardigrades, microscopic organisms known for their resilience, to study their reproductive cycle in space. Researchers are studying whether they can lay and hatch eggs under microgravity conditions, offering insights into how complex biological processes are affected by space environments.

Significance and Future Implications

These experiments align with India's Bio-E3 policy, which promotes biotechnology for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment. The mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO, NASA, and the DBT, and is part of a long-term roadmap extending to 2040. The insights gained from these studies could revolutionize bio-manufacturing, especially in areas like carbon dioxide fixation and metabolic engineering. For example, algae used in space could be adapted to trap industrial emissions on Earth, offering sustainable solutions to climate challenges.

The knowledge gained from these experiments will not only enhance India's presence in space science but also bring transformative applications back home, from treating muscle diseases and developing sustainable agriculture to capturing industrial emissions using algae. As India ventures into space biology, these initial steps are expected to evolve into path-breaking discoveries, paving the way for scientific innovation both in orbit and on Earth. Group Captain Shukla's mission has laid the foundation for India's ambitious human space flight program, with plans to launch an Indian to space by 2027, have a space station by 2035, and land an Indian on the moon by 2040.