On May 15, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India will conduct its first-ever space biology experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the AXIOM-4 mission. These experiments, aligned with the BioE3 Biotechnology Policy launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to study the sustainability of human life in space, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member.
Microalgae: A Sustainable Food Source
Studying Microgravity’s Impact
The first experiment will explore the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich potential food source for long-duration space missions. Rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds, microalgae offer high photosynthetic efficiency, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. This joint initiative by ISRO, NASA, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will analyze growth parameters and molecular changes to identify suitable microalgal species for space environments.
Cyanobacteria and Spirulina: Superfood Potential
Advancing Waste Recycling
The second experiment will study cyanobacteria, such as Spirulina and Synechococcus, under microgravity conditions. It will compare their growth in urea-based versus nitrate-based media and assess their potential as a superfood due to high protein and vitamin content. The experiment also aims to develop waste recycling systems for carbon and nitrogen, crucial for self-sustaining space missions and future extraterrestrial colonies.
Collaboration and Innovation
ISRO-DBT Partnership
These experiments, developed with scientists from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, highlight the robust collaboration between ISRO and DBT. The research is part of a broader effort to position India as a leader in space biotechnology, leveraging cutting-edge science to address challenges of long-term space exploration.
DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry: A Hub for Biotech
Driving Innovation
Dr. Jitendra Singh announced these developments during a visit to the newly inaugurated DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry in New Delhi, virtually launched on May 15, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility operates on the Design, Build, Test, and Learn (DBTL) cycle, using AI, big data, and computational biology to develop biotech products for sectors like food, agriculture, and energy. With a production capacity of up to 20 liters, it supports innovation and technology transfer to startups and industries.
BioE3 Policy: A Vision for Biotech Leadership
Accelerating Biomanufacturing
The experiments align with the BioE3 Policy, approved in 2024, which focuses on high-performance biomanufacturing. This policy supports innovation across six priority sectors, including marine and space research, aiming to position India at the forefront of global biotechnology under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Why This Matters
Paving the Way for Space Exploration
India’s space biology experiments aboard the ISS represent a bold step toward ensuring sustainable human life in space. By studying microalgae and cyanobacteria, India is addressing critical challenges like food production and waste recycling for long-term space missions. These efforts, supported by the BioE3 Policy and advanced facilities like the DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry, underscore India’s growing role in global biotech innovation and space exploration.
Key Facts About India’s Space Biotech Initiative
- India’s first space biology experiments were announced on May 15, 2025, for the ISS AXIOM-4 mission.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will participate as a crew member in the experiments.
- The experiments study microalgae and cyanobacteria for sustainable food and waste recycling in space.
- The DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry, inaugurated on May 15, 2025, supports biotech innovation.
- The BioE3 Policy, launched in 2024, drives India’s biotech leadership in space research and other sectors.