Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Conduct Space-Based Nutrition Experiments on ISS
New Delhi: In a major milestone for India’s space research efforts, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct pioneering food and nutrition experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Singh revealed that Shukla will study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—a promising, nutrient-rich food source for long-duration space missions. The research will analyze growth patterns and molecular changes, including transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes, of various algal species in space compared to Earth-based environments.
➡️ Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to conduct exclusive Food & Nutrition Experiments Onboard International Space Station (ISS), announces Union Minister of State @DrJitendraSingh
➡️ Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as Mission Pilot on the Axiom-4…
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 31, 2025
The space biology experiments will utilize indigenously developed biotechnology kits, specially designed by Indian scientists to perform accurately in microgravity. These kits, developed under the Department of Biotechnology, reflect India’s growing capability in space-based life sciences research.
Group Captain Shukla, part of India’s first cohort of trained astronauts, will join the Axiom Mission 4, a private spaceflight led by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX and NASA, scheduled for liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on June 8.
This mission not only marks a significant step in India’s human spaceflight journey but also showcases the country’s scientific contribution to global space research.
