In a significant advancement for India’s presence in space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to conduct innovative food and nutrition experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This pivotal announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighting India’s proactive strides in space biotechnology and sustainable life support systems.
As the Mission Pilot for Axiom-4, Shukla will collaborate with a diverse team of international astronauts, including Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both affiliated with the European Space Agency (ESA). Scheduled to launch no earlier than June 8, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission will see the crew spending 14 days aboard the ISS.
At the heart of Shukla’s responsibilities will be a series of sophisticated experiments aimed at identifying sustainable food sources for extended space missions. Central to this research are algae and spirulina—microorganisms recognized for their high nutritional content and their ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This initiative addresses two critical challenges in space travel: maintaining astronaut nutrition and improving cabin air quality within closed-loop ecosystems.
This pioneering effort stems from a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These entities have established a Joint Working Group (JWG) to expedite research in space biotechnology. As part of this initiative, Indian scientists have created specialized biotechnology kits designed for microgravity environments. These kits will facilitate seven experiments led by Indian researchers on the ISS.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration between ISRO and DBT represents a major step toward developing self-reliant life support systems in space. The application of algae and spirulina confronts food security and environmental sustainability for space missions, with potential benefits that may also extend to Earth.”
The Axiom-4 mission is set to include over 60 experiments from scientists across 31 nations. For India, the mission bears historical importance as Group Captain Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and the first to venture into space since Rakesh Sharma’s legendary mission in 1984. Shukla, one of ISRO’s four astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan program, has participated in rigorous training at NASA in preparation for this global endeavor.
As India forges ahead in the realm of space innovation, the Axiom-4 mission is anticipated to provide invaluable insights into biomanufacturing, life sciences, and long-term human habitation in space. This endeavor not only solidifies India’s evolving position in the international space community but also reflects a commitment to harnessing science for the greater good, both on Earth and beyond.
