“ऋचो अक्षरे परमे व्योमन् यस्मिन देवा अधि विश्वे निषेदुः।
यस्तन्न वेद किमृचा करिष्यति।”
“ṛacho akṣare parame vyoman yasmina devā adhi viśve niṣeduḥ
yastanna veda kimṛcā kariṣyati” (Rigveda: 1.164.39)
India’s space ambition is rooted in its ancient legacy of astronomy and cosmic exploration, seen in texts like the Rigveda and works of Aryabhata. The verse says that “All the gods have taken their seats upon this supreme heaven, the imperishable of the Veda; what will he, who knows not this, do with the Veda? but they who do know it, they are perfect.”
This timeless curiosity about the universe now fuels modern missions like Gaganyaan, where Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has collaborated with Axiom Space for AXIOM-4 mission, sending Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission is part of ISRO’s strategic initiative to strengthen its human spaceflight program and contribute to global space research, particularly in preparation for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan 2027 programme.
Axiom-4 and ISRO
The AXIOM-4 mission, which includes a crew member from India, represents a major step in international cooperation in space research. Shubhanshu Shukla’s as a pilot and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as a backup crew participated in the mission, reflects ISRO’s commitment to nurturing Indian talent and involving prestigious Indian institutions for significant research.
The Gaganyaan project and the involvement of leading Indian research institutes in Axiom-4 mission did not happen overnight. These advancements are the result of years of planning, scientific dedication and a strong national vision. It began on August 15, 2018, when the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, announced the Gaganyaan Programme. This historic declaration marked the beginning of India’s journey to send its own astronauts into space using indigenous technology. Since then, institutions across the country have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality through research, innovation, and collaboration.
On June 28, 2025, in video conference PM Modi ji told Shubhanshu Shukla that “Your experiences will play a crucial role in all these future missions. I am confident that you are diligently recording every bit of your experience”. According to ISRO, Shukla’s role in the mission is to collect and analyze the data that will have direct applications for India’s first human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan, which is scheduled for launch in 2027.
Key Scientific Experiments designed by Indian Institutions for ISS
The collaboration extends beyond astronaut training and participation. ISRO, in association with various Indian academic and research institutions, has developed a series of scientific experiments that are being conducted on ISS as part of the AXIOM-4 mission. These scientific experiments are:
Crop Seeds in Space
Developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Kerala Agricultural University, this experiment studies the impact of microgravity on six different varieties of crop seeds. The seeds were sent to the ISS to observe how space conditions affect their germination, growth, and genetic expression. After return of AX-4 , the seeds will be grown with specific traits and genetic analysis will be conducted. It will aid in understanding of crop grown in space for further exploration missions.
Cyanobacteria Experiment
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, associated with ISRO, to conduct research on cyanobacteria aboard on the ISS. These photosynthetic aquatic bacteria are being studied for their potential role in spacecraft environmental control systems. Two strains of cyanobacteria are compared in terms of growth rates, cellular responses and biochemical changes in microgravity. This research could develop the way for life-support systems into future space missions.
Myogenesis Study
ISRO experiment is an important study on skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity. The “Myogenesis” project focuses on identifying the molecular pathways responsible for muscle atrophy during extended spaceflight. The outcomes are expected to help in developing therapeutic for muscle loss, which is a major concern for astronauts. The finding will pave the future of medical science on earth in treating muscle related diseases and conditions related to aging or immobility. The findings also have implications for aging populations and individuals with mobility-related conditions on Earth.
Tardigrade Resilience Research
In partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), ISRO experiment will explore the survival capabilities of tardigrades, a microscopic organisms known for their extreme resilience. This study will investigate their ability to revive, survive and reproduce life after exposure to microgravity. Experimenting the gene expression patterns in space-flown tardigrades compared to those on Earth will help to uncover the genetic mechanisms of survival in extreme environments. The findings from this research will help in future space programme and biotechnological application on Earth.
Voyager Displays
Another ISRO experiment will investigate how the physical and cognitive impact of utilizing computer screens in microgravity. In this experiment pointing tasks, gaze fixation and rapid eye movements which are affected in space will be analysed. Also, how this may interact with subjective experiences of stress wellbeing will be assessed. The results could reshape the future spacecraft computer design and its interaction.
Space Microalgae
Another initiative of ICGEB is this experiment, which will explore how microalgae organisms can be considered a promising resource for food, biofuel and life support system. The experiment also involves three different strains of microalgae will be grown and the impact of microgravity on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity will be investigated be comparing algae grown on the ground.
Sprouting Salad Seeds in space
In space agriculture project, ISRO and NASA will jointly investigate the sprouting behavior of salad crop seeds in the ISS environment. This experiment evaluates seed germination, microbial load and nutritional composition post spaceflight mission. The data will help in offering insights of crop grown in space under extreme conditions.
STEMonstrations for Students
As part of its educational outreach, ISRO has also developed “STEMonstrations” ; a set of four STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities targeted for Indian students. These demonstrations are being performed aboard the ISS to inspire interest in space science among young learners. This initiative aims to stimulate curiosity and promote science education in India through real-time space-based content.
Strategic Goals and Future Implications on Gaganyaan
These experiments reflect the ISRO’s broader vision of national interest will place India as a key contributor to international space research. The outcomes of the studies conducted aboard the ISS will not only enrich the global understanding of life sciences or microgravity effects, but also feed directly into the planning and execution of India’s own crewed space mission, Gaganyaan.
The Gaganyaan mission is scheduled for 2027, which aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit and bring them back safely. The data and experience gained from AXIOM-4, including astronaut training, biomedical observations and experimental results will play a crucial role in shaping mission protocols, astronaut health management and other aspects of space flight.
ISRO has indicated that the insights derived from the current collaborations will help reduce risks associated with long-duration space travel and improve life support systems for astronauts. This experimental mission efforts also align the organization’s focus on sustainable space explorations, self-reliance in technologies under Make in India dream.
India’s involvement in AXIOM-4 through ISRO marks a decisive step in the country’s space exploration journey. The mission has combined astronaut training, biological and technological experiments outreach to enhance India’s preparedness for future space missions. The scientific and strategic collaborations through this initiative reflects the country’s growing role in the global space community and its commitment to advancing space-based science for both national interest of vishwaguru and international cooperation.
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