NASA-ISRO Collaboration: Shubhanshu Shukla's microgravity experiments on Axiom 4 Mission

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first commercial astronaut, is set to embark on Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station on June 10. This two-week mission marks a significant collaboration between NASA and ISRO, showcasing India’s expanding presence in space research. Shukla will conduct seven experiments designed by Indian scientists, focusing on areas like muscle regeneration, microalgae growth, plant biology, and human-computer interaction in microgravity. These studies aim to boost India’s microgravity research capabilities and contribute to the development of sustainable life-support systems, food solutions, and astronaut health strategies for long-duration space exploration in the future.The Myogenesis–ISRO experiment investigates how human skeletal muscle cells behave in microgravity, where muscle deterioration is common. Shukla will work with cultured muscle stem cells to study their regeneration and how mitochondrial metabolism changes in space. Scientists hope to find ways to counter muscle loss during extended space missions. The findings could also benefit people suffering from age-related muscle degeneration or muscular diseases on Earth, offering potential breakthroughs in both space and terrestrial medicine.This experiment, named Sprouts–ISRO, focuses on the growth of green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) seeds in space. These are staple, nutrient-rich foods in India. Researchers will study how microgravity affects their germination, genetics, and nutritional content. Understanding these changes can help in developing reliable plant-based food systems for future space missions. The insights may also support agricultural advancements back on Earth, particularly in resource-constrained or extreme environments where conventional farming is difficult.Microalgae are highly efficient organisms known for producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing dense nutrition. In the Space Microalgae experiment, Shukla will study how these organisms grow and evolve in the absence of gravity. If successful, microalgae could become a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Their ability to support life-support systems may also open up possibilities for using them in Earth-based environmental and food solutions, especially in areas with limited access to resources.The Voyager Tardigrade–ISRO experiment studies how tardigrades, also known as water bears, endure extreme space conditions. These tiny aquatic creatures can survive radiation, vacuum, and freezing temperatures. Shukla will observe how they survive and reproduce in space and compare gene expression with Earth-based samples. The research aims to decode the biology behind their resilience, which could lead to innovations in radiation protection for astronauts and even new materials or therapies for use in harsh environments on Earth.Voyager Displays–ISRO explores how spaceflight alters human interaction with electronic interfaces like touchscreens. Tasks involving gaze, touch, and eye movement will be analyzed to understand cognitive and motor changes caused by microgravity. The goal is to improve the design of control systems for spacecraft and future space habitats. The results may also benefit high-stress environments on Earth—such as aviation or emergency response—where quick, intuitive interaction with digital systems is crucial for safety and performance.