In a groundbreaking leap for Indian space science and biotechnology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) are set to launch India’s first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming AXIOM-4 mission.
This historic initiative, driven under the BioE3 policy launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will focus on space sustainability through cutting-edge biological research.
Announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the mission will be crewed by Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and will test how microgravity and radiation affect key biological systems. It marks a strategic milestone for India’s growing space ambitions and its commitment to using biotechnology to support long-term human presence in space.
Experiment 1: Edible Microalgae for Food and Oxygen
The first experiment will study the growth of microalgae in space. Microalgae, known for their high nutritional value and rapid growth, could serve as sustainable food for astronauts. Their ability to absorb CO₂ and release oxygen makes them valuable for closed-loop life support systems.
Key goals include:
Analyzing transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of algae
Measuring growth and adaptability in space conditions
Identifying optimal species for biomass and oxygen generation
Experiment 2: Spirulina and Carbon-Nitrogen Recycling
The second experiment focuses on cyanobacteria like Spirulina and Synechococcus, exploring their ability to recycle carbon and nitrogen—critical for closed ecosystems in space. Spirulina, a rich source of protein and vitamins, will be tested for its efficiency as a space “superfood.”
Researchers will study Proteomic responses under microgravity, Growth in urea vs nitrate environments, Photosynthetic efficiency and metabolic changes.
This research is being carried out in collaboration with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
The announcement was made during Dr. Singh’s visit to the newly inaugurated DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry in New Delhi. The facility is India’s first of its kind and is designed to rapidly prototype and scale biotechnological solutions using AI, big data, and synthetic biology.
Highlights:
In-house capacity to produce up to 20 liters of product
Support for startups and tech transfer
Applications in food, pharma, energy, and agriculture
India’s BioE3 Policy Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment approved in 2024, is at the core of this initiative. It fosters innovation in six strategic areas including climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture, bio-manufacturing, and space research. These experiments will help India become a global hub for space biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Dr. Jelena Begovic, President of the ICGEB Board of Governors, applauded India’s growing leadership in the field. With partnerships involving ISRO, NASA, DBT, and ICGEB, India is positioning itself at the forefront of scientific exploration for life beyond Earth.
As India sets its sights on human spaceflight, lunar exploration, and interplanetary missions, these biotech experiments are a key step toward creating self-sustaining ecosystems in space.