Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, declared on Thursday that India would carry out its first biological experiments on ISS. The tests are a component of the AXIOM-4 mission, which is set to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 8th, 2025. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will represent India as a crew member on this historic trip. Under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) program, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) collaborated to create the project.

Microalgae and Cyanobacteria: Key to Space Sustainability

Two critical biological experiments will be part of the expedition. The first experiment investigates how edible microalgae are affected by space radiation and microgravity. These microalgae are nutrient-rich and have high protein, fat, and bioactive compounds. In enclosed space settings, they may produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide thanks to their remarkable photosynthetic efficiency. Because of their quick growth cycle and high biomass yield, they are perfect for long-duration missions, when air regeneration and food security are crucial.

The second experiment will investigate cyanobacteria‘s growth and proteome reactions under microgravity settings, specifically, Spirulina and Synechococcus. Media based on urea and nitrate will both be employed. Spirulina is a space “superfood,” rich in protein and vitamins, and may potentially recycle nitrogen and carbon from human waste. Because of this, it is a strong contender for closed-loop life support systems, which are required for extended space travel or colonisation on other planets. Under the ISRO-DBT collaboration, researchers from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), located in New Delhi, are assisting in developing the first biological experiments on ISS.

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Strategic Vision Behind the BioE3 Policy

When Singh visited the recently opened DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry in New Delhi, he discussed these advancements. The cutting-edge facility uses the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) paradigm and seeks to further research in biomanufacturing and synthetic biology. It was formally launched at the 31st meeting of the ICGEB Board of Governors.

He attributed Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership to India’s rise to global prominence in the biotechnology industry. Singh underlined the strategic relevance of the BioE3 Policy in promoting development in six areas: carbon capture, smart proteins, climate-resilient agriculture, and space and marine research.

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