As part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), 'water bears' from Bengaluru are playing a vital role in understanding the effects of microgravity on life. This experiment, led by Indian scientists, marks a significant step in India's space research endeavors and its collaboration with international space agencies.
Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic creatures renowned for their resilience. These tiny animals, typically measuring between 0.3 to 0.5 mm, can survive extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space, intense radiation, dehydration, and extreme temperatures. Their ability to enter a state of cryptobiosis, a form of suspended animation, allows them to withstand harsh environments that would be lethal to most other organisms.
The Voyager Tardigrades experiment, designed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, focuses on studying the survival, revival, and reproductive behavior of tardigrades in the microgravity environment of the ISS. This experiment aims to provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms that contribute to the resilience of these extremophiles. Specifically, the study involves analyzing data obtained from experiments conducted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is part of the Axiom-4 mission. Shukla's work includes observing the tardigrades' life in microgravity and their ability to reproduce in this unique environment.
A unique aspect of this experiment involves a specific 'Bengaluru strain' of tardigrade, Paramacrobiotus, which possesses an exceptional defense mechanism. Biochemist Sandeep Eswarappa and his team at IISc discovered that when this species is exposed to lethal ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it absorbs the harmful rays and emits harmless blue fluorescence. This was the first direct experimental evidence of photoprotective fluorescence in any organism, making this particular strain ideal for studying the effects of space radiation.
The implications of this research extend beyond space exploration. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that enable tardigrades to withstand extreme conditions could lead to innovations in various fields, including medicine and biotechnology. For instance, insights gained from studying tardigrade resilience could contribute to developing new therapeutic applications and strategies for protecting astronauts from the harmful effects of space radiation. Moreover, it could lead to advancements in bio-preservation techniques.
The Axiom-4 mission marks a significant milestone for India's space program. Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in this mission makes him the first Indian to live and work at the International Space Station, 4 decades after Rakesh Sharma. This mission not only facilitates crucial scientific research but also strengthens the collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and ESA. In addition to the tardigrade experiment, Shukla is involved in other experiments, including the Myogenesis study, which explores the effects of microgravity on human muscle regeneration. He is also participating in studies involving microalgae and cyanobacteria under space conditions, contributing to research on regenerative life support systems and crew nutrition.
