Axiom-4 Mission: Creating our own space
Research: Ax-4 carries with it 7 cutting-edge research experiments, focusing on space biology and bioengineering: 1. Microalgae growth under space radiation by International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB) and National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR). 2. Seed sprouting in microgravity by University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and IIT Dharwad.3. Gene expression studies on survival and adaptation of tardigrades in space by IISc Bangalore.4. Research on muscle regeneration under microgravity, led by inStem, on the effects of metabolic supplements.5. Another IISc-led project examines human interaction with electronic displays in orbital environments.6. ICGEB also contributes a study comparing nutrient utilisation in cyanobacteria using urea and nitrate in microgravity.
7. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) project investigates the impact of microgravity on crop growth and yield.
These diverse yet complementary studies are vital steps toward developing bioregenerative life support systems, essential for sustaining human life during long-duration space missions and future space settlements.
Strategic implications: Ax-4 supports the Gaganyaan roadmap and future missions by providing real-time exposure and hands-on experience in space medicine, orbital operations, crew management, mission planning and bioastronautics. While Shukla is in orbit, several other Indians involved in on-ground mission support will be gaining invaluable insight into managing complex space missions.
Future ready: This mission also aligns with India's BioE3 policy, which focuses on developing national leadership in biotech and space-based life sciences. In the long term, such experiences will feed into India's goal of establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and sending a crewed mission to the moon by 2040. The future includes a series of uncrewed test flights under the Gaganyaan programme, which will validate critical technologies and strengthen mission readiness. By the end of the decade, development of BAS is expected to begin, with its initial modules likely to launch around 2028. Together, Gaganyaan and BAS will become twin pillars of India's human spaceflight efforts, both as platforms for advanced research and hubs for international collaboration.The global space landscape is evolving rapidly. Several commercial and national space stations are either planned or under construction. These include Axiom Space's private station, Blue Origin's Orbital Reef, StarLab (a US-Japan collaboration), Russia's proposed ROS, Nasa's Lunar Gateway, and China's Tiangong Station. These ventures reflect a shift from purely government-led missions to multi-stakeholder platforms supporting research, industry and space tourism.To remain an active and influential participant in this new era, India must deepen its international engagements, forging partnerships with national agencies and private space firms. This will not only expand opportunities for vyomanauts to fly aboard missions beyond Gaganyaan, but also reinforce India's position as avital contributor to humanity's shared journey into space.Ax-4 highlights the increasing importance of science diplomacy and technological exchange in a rapidly evolving, multipolar space ecosystem. For India, it rekindles the spacefaring legacy first ignited in 1984 with cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, and now propels the nation toward a more active, independent and globally integrated role in human spaceflight.Ax-4 is not merely a journey to ISS but also a bold leap into the future, unlocking new pathways for scientific discovery, international cooperation and the vast potential of human presence beyond Earth. It stands as a powerful symbol of how India is poised to leapfrog into the next era of space exploration, not as a follower but as a frontrunner in shaping the future of humanity in space.
Adefining trait of India's space journey has been Isro's philosophy of learning before leading. It has strategically partnered global agencies to absorb knowledge, develop expertise and build indigenous capability. From early collaborations with the Soviet Union and Nasa to mastering satellite tech, launch vehicles, interplanetary missions and now human spaceflight, Isro has consistently transformed each international engagement into a foundation for selfreliant progress. Ax-4 is another such milestone, an opportunity to learn from the best, and then translate those insights into India's own systems, missions and ambitions. It reinforces a model that has long defined Isro's brand: quiet resilience, scientific excellence and pursuit of sovereign strength in space.
The writer is former chairman, Isro
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Crash. Silence. Confusion. How India's air accident watchdog is failing its biggest test yet
HDB Financial may be cheaper than Bajaj Fin, but what about returns?
Index funds were meant to simplify investing. Why are they overwhelming investors now?
Second only to L&T, but controversies may weaken this infra powerhouse's growth story
How Vedanta's Anil Agarwal bettered Warren Buffett in returns
Stock Radar: Buy on Dips! Bharat Dynamics pare gains after hitting record highs in May 2025; check target & stop loss
Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus
These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 25%
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
ISRO-NASA Earth Observation Satellite Set For July 30th Launch, Says ISRO Chief
The Earth Observation Satellite jointly developed by ISRO and NASA will be launched into space on July 30 aboard India's GSLV-F16 rocket, ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan announced today. Speaking to reporters at the Chennai International Airport, Dr. Narayanan said that the satellite will be placed in orbit at an altitude of 740 km and is equipped with state-of-the-art radar imaging technology. 'This advanced satellite can capture images of Earth 24 hours a day, even during cloud cover and rain. It will play a crucial role in detecting landslides, supporting disaster management, and monitoring climate change. Its benefits will extend not only to India and the United States but to the global community as a whole,' he said. Providing updates on other key missions, the ISRO Chairman said the Aditya-L1 solar satellite, launched earlier with a 1.5 kg payload, has begun transmitting solar research data. Scientists are currently analyzing this information for deeper insights into solar activity. On the much-anticipated Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Dr. Narayanan said that three uncrewed test missions are planned before astronauts are sent into space. 'The first vehicle is being readied at Sriharikota and will be launched this December with a humanoid payload. If that succeeds, two more missions will follow next year. The first manned mission is scheduled for March 2027, as announced by the Prime Minister,' he said. Dr. Narayanan also shared progress on India's upcoming lunar missions. He expressed confidence that Chandrayaan-4, designed to land on the Moon and bring back soil samples, will be a success. 'This mission will mark a significant step for ISRO in lunar exploration,' he said. He added that Chandrayaan-5, a joint mission with Japan, is expected to operate for 100 days on the Moon. ISRO currently manages 55 satellites and is working to reorganize them into three categories over the next four years. Dr. Narayanan emphasised that ISRO's research is national in scope and not tailored to individual states. 'Our focus is on what the people of the country need, irrespective of the region,' he said.
Mint
7 hours ago
- Mint
NASA-ISRO mission: 'NISAR satellite launch by July 30,' Chairman V Narayanan confirms, drops update on Gaganyaan mission
ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayana on Monday announced that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch NISAR satellite through the GSLV-S16 rocket by July 30. 'We are going to launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite through the GSLV-S16 rocket by July 30th. We will conduct three uncrewed missions before the Gaganyaan Mission,' ANI quoted ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan as saying. He added, "In December, a humanoid mission will be conducted, during which a robot called Vyommitra will be sent into space. If it's successful, then two uncrewed missions will be launched next year. After all the tests in March 2027, as PM Modi said, Gaganyan Mission will be launched."
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Hans India
PM commends growth in space sector
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast, lauded astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space. He noted that a new wave of curiosity about space is sweeping across India's children and highlighted the significant growth in the space sector, with over 200 startups now established. Modi emphasised that the path to a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) is paved with self-reliance, and 'vocal for local' serves as the strongest foundation for an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India)."Recently, there was extensive discussion in the country about Shubhanshu Shukla's return from space." "As soon as Shubhanshu safely landed on Earth, people rejoiced, and a wave of happiness swept through every heart. The entire country was filled with pride," he stated. The Prime Minister reiterated that a new wave of curiosity about space is emerging among children across India. He also pointed out the rapid emergence of space startups in the country, noting that "There were fewer than 50 startups five years ago. Today, there are more than 200 startups in the space sector alone". Modi also mentioned that National Space Day would be observed on August 23 and invited suggestions on how the day should be celebrated. He highlighted that India's young minds are excelling, from Chemistry to Mathematics Olympiads.
