India’s First Bio-Experiments in Space

Why in News?
 

• India is will conduct its first-ever biological experiments in space on the International Space Station (ISS).
• These experiments will be part of a space mission called AXIOM-4, which is planned to launch on June 8, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the USA.
• This is a joint effort by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and NASA.
• The project is part of a larger plan called the BioE3 Policy, which focuses on using biotechnology to help the economy, protect the environment, and create jobs.
   

Biological Experiments Planned on the ISS:
 

1. The Scientists from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) are working on these experiments.
   1. Microalgae Experiment:

1. Objective: To study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae.
2. Significance:
   • Microalgae are nutrient-rich, high in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds.
   • They show high photosynthetic efficiency, aid in oxygen production, and CO₂ absorption, crucial for life support in space.
   • Fast-growing with short life cycles, they are ideal for sustainable food and air regeneration in long-duration space missions.
3. Expected Outcome: Identification of the most suitable microalgae species for space-based life-support systems.

2. Cyanobacteria Experiment:

1. Organisms Studied: Spirulina and Synechococcus.
2. Mediums Used: Urea-based vs. nitrate-based nutrient environments.
3. Objectives:
   1. To explore Spirulina’s potential as a “space superfood” due to its high protein and vitamin content.
   2. To assess the ability of cyanobacteria to recycle carbon and nitrogen from human waste in closed-loop life support systems.
   3. To study metabolic adaptation and proteomic responses under microgravity.
4. Significance: Enables development of self-sustaining recycling systems for future extraterrestrial habitats and space colonies.

 

Significance of the Experiments for India:
 

1. Strategic Leap in Space Biotechnology: Supports long-term space missions through food, oxygen production, and waste recycling.
2. Strengthens International Collaboration: Aligns with NASA and global scientific bodies.
3. Boosts India’s Global Position: Reinforces India’s emergence as a leader in biotechnology and space research.
    

BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy
 

1. Launched: In 2024, by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
2. Objective:
   1. It aims to provide a strategic framework to promote cutting-edge bio manufacturing technologies and align innovative research with the goal of transforming bio manufacturing in India for efficiency, sustainability, and quality.
3. Alignment with National Goals:
   1. Supports Green Growth vision (Union Budget 2023–24)
   2. Aligns with the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative
   3. Supports India’s Net-Zero Carbon goals
   4. Backed by the Interim Budget 2024–25 with a dedicated scheme
4. Key Components:
   1. BioEnablers Initiative:
      1. Includes Biofoundries, Biomanufacturing Hubs, and Bio-Artificial Intelligence (Bio-AI) Hubs
      2. Aim: Facilitate scale-up of bio-based technologies, promote data-driven R&D, and provide training and internships
5. Thematic Priority Sectors:
   1. Identified through national consultations and expert committees:
      1. Bio-based chemicals and enzymes
      2. Functional foods and smart proteins
      3. Precision bio therapeutics
      4. Climate-resilient agriculture
      5. Carbon capture and utilization (CCU)
      6. Futuristic marine and space research

 

International Space Station (ISS)
 

1. Launch Date: November 20, 1998
2. Habitation: Continuously inhabited since 2011
3. Altitude: Orbits Earth at about 400 km
4. Speed: Travels at 28,000 km/h, completing an orbit approximately every 90 minutes
5. Participating Agencies:
   1. NASA (United States)
   2. Roscosmos (Russia)
   3. ESA (European Space Agency)
   4. JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
   5. CSA (Canadian Space Agency)
6. Primary Objectives:
   1. Advance scientific research in space and microgravity
   2. Study the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body
   3. Test technologies for future missions to the Moon and Mars
   4. Promote international cooperation in space exploration
   5. Showcase advancements in robotics, solar power generation, and other technologies relevant to future space missions.