By R Anil Kumar
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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to conduct 7 experiments in ISS next month
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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will embark on a journey to the space station in May. ISRO has collaborated with various space agencies to conduct seven experiments.
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Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Study How Living in Space Changes the Brain function among other experiments
Bengaluru. Axiom Space is on the verge of launching the Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission, a landmark international collaboration that will see Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to embark on an exciting 14-day journey aboard the International Space Station next month, where he will carry out at least seven groundbreaking experiments.
These studies will include growing crops and researching the resilience of water bears, also known as tardigrades, famous for their ability to endure extreme conditions.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in partnership with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), will conduct these experiments during the upcoming Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) scheduled for late May, which will also feature astronauts from the US, Hungary, and Poland.
In collaboration with NASA and Voyager, ISRO aims to explore the survival mechanisms of tardigrades, which have been on Earth for about 600 million years and are likely to withstand significant climate changes in the future.
One key aspect of this experiment will focus on the revival, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades in space, allowing scientists to compare gene expression between those sent to space and those kept on the ground.
Gaining insight into the molecular pathways behind their resilience could significantly impact future space exploration and innovative biotechnology applications on Earth, as stated by Axiom Space.
Another Ax-4 experiment will look into how astronauts interact with electronic displays in microgravity. It will examine the physical and cognitive effects of using computer screens in space, particularly focusing on tasks such as pointing, gaze fixation, and rapid eye movements. Understanding these changes can help manage the stress levels of astronauts and lead to the design of more user-friendly spacecraft computers.
ISRO is also collaborating with NASA and Redwire on the ‘Space Microalgae’ project, which will analyze how microgravity affects the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity of three types of edible microalgae.
These microalgae could potentially serve as a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions, thanks to their rich nutritional profile.
Additionally, a project in collaboration with ESA will study cyanobacteria, aquatic bacteria capable of photosynthesis. By comparing two strains, ISRO hopes to gain insights into their growth rates, cellular responses, and biochemical activities in a microgravity environment. This research could integrate these bacteria into spacecraft life support systems, improving conditions for future missions.
Lastly, ISRO’s “Effect of Metabolic Supplement on Muscle Regeneration Under Microgravity” project, in partnership with NASA and BioServe Space Technologies, aims to unravel the pathways behind muscle dysfunction in space.
By identifying these molecular mechanisms and potential treatments, this research could not only help prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts on long missions but also have implications for treating muscle-related diseases on Earth.
Another intriguing experiment is ISRO’s “Sprouting Salad Seeds in Space,” which will explore how crop seeds germinate and grow in microgravity, ultimately aiming to secure reliable food sources for future space explorers.
One of the mission’s most significant scientific objectives is the Human Spaceflight Neuroimaging Initiative, a pioneering experiment designed to investigate how microgravity alters the human brain.
This initiative, developed by Axiom Space and supported by ISRO and NASA, will use advanced 7 Tesla MRI scans to examine astronauts before and after their space missions. The scans will focus on detecting changes in brain structure, neural vascular physiology, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The primary aim is to identify potential cognitive and performance risks that astronauts might encounter during and after extended exposure to microgravity.
Astronauts face a range of health challenges in space, particularly due to the effects of microgravity. Notable issues include structural changes in the brain that can affect both motor and cognitive abilities, the development of Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) characterized by visual impairment and ocular changes, and potential cognitive impairments such as declines in memory and attention following long-duration missions.
By studying these effects in detail, the Human Spaceflight Neuroimaging Initiative seeks to provide critical data that will help safeguard astronaut health on future missions.
ISRO’s involvement in this mission is substantial, with the agency leading seven of the approximately 60 scientific experiments planned for Ax-4. In addition to the neuroimaging study, Shukla will conduct research on crop seeds to assess how spaceflight influences plant genetics across generations, a step vital for sustainable space farming and long-duration missions.
Another ISRO-led experiment, Voyager Displays, will explore how using computer screens in microgravity affects cognitive performance and stress, with implications for the design of future spacecraft systems.
The outcomes of these experiments are expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. By understanding the neurological and physiological impacts of space travel, ISRO is laying the groundwork for safer, longer missions, including the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and future lunar expeditions.
These studies not only aim to protect astronaut health but also contribute to the broader goal of preparing humans for life beyond Earth.
India’s participation in the AX-4 mission underscores its growing role in international space exploration and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight research. The collaboration with Axiom Space and NASA marks a significant stride in India’s journey into deep space, reinforcing its position as an emerging leader in global space science and technology.
