In a major scientific breakthrough, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India will conduct its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming AXIOM-4 mission. This landmark initiative is being carried out under the BioE3 Biotechnology Policy, a visionary program launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to position India as a global leader in biotechnology. The experiments will feature Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member and are being jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
The first experiment aims to explore the impact of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae, which are rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds. Microalgae are considered a highly promising source of sustainable food and oxygen for long-duration space missions due to their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency, and compact cultivation requirements. This study will compare various algal species in space with Earth-based controls, analyzing their transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic responses to identify the most suitable strains for use in space environments.
The second experiment will examine the behavior of cyanobacteria—specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus—under microgravity, focusing on their growth in urea-based versus nitrate-based media. Spirulina, often referred to as a “superfood,” is known for its high protein and vitamin content. This research will assess the potential of cyanobacteria for waste recycling and oxygen generation in space, critical components for achieving self-sustaining ecosystems during extended space travel. By converting carbon and nitrogen from human waste into usable resources, cyanobacteria could play a central role in future life-support systems for space habitats.
Dr. Singh made the announcement during his visit to the newly inaugurated DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry in New Delhi, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to high-performance biomanufacturing. Developed under the DBT’s leadership, the Biofoundry is India’s first of its kind and operates on the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle. It integrates artificial intelligence, computational biology, and synthetic biology to develop biotech solutions across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and now space. The facility is equipped to support innovations from laboratory scale to industrial production, enhancing India’s ability to commercialize scientific advancements.
The BioE3 Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024, plays a crucial role in this initiative. It aims to accelerate innovation and scale-up in six strategic areas, including bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, precision therapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture, and marine and space biotechnology. Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for driving India’s rise in global biotechnology and emphasized that these space biology missions are a testament to the country’s growing scientific and technological capabilities.
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Board President Dr. Jelena Begovic praised India’s commitment to advancing space biotechnology. Senior DBT officials, including Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Dr. Alka Sharma, and ICGEB Director Dr. Ramesh Sonti, were present during the announcement, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this ambitious step into space-based life sciences.
