Latest news with #Isro-led
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
4 experiments done, 3 nearing end; Shux splashdown at 3pm July 15
Shukla conducting the sprouts experiment (Image credit: Isro) BENGALURU: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla , who is expected to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) at 4.35pm on July 14, has completed four of the seven Isro-led microgravity experiments. Shukla, who is part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, is working on the other three that are nearing completion, Isro has confirmed. The completed experiments are: Tardigrades (Bengaluru strain): focusing on survival, revival, reproduction, and transcriptomic changes in microgravity; Myogenesis: studying the effect of space on human muscle cell development; Sprouting of methi and moong seeds: With implications for in-orbit nutrition and food sustainability, and Cyanobacteria: tracking the growth of two variants for potential use in closed-loop life support systems. 'These experiments are now being packed for their return to Earth for further analysis,' Isro said. The three experiments that are nearing completion are: Microalgae: investigating its viability and applications in space:l; Crop seeds: Studying growth responses to spaceflight conditions, and Voyager Display: details of which remain undisclosed but are part of the scientific payload. 'Together, these investigations are expected to generate critical insights for upcoming programmes including Gaganyaan, the proposed Space Station, and future interplanetary missions,' Isro said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The space agency added that the Shukla remains in good health and high spirits, with flight surgeons continuously monitoring his condition through scheduled private medical and psychological conferences. 'The Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew is expected to splash down off the coast of California on July 15, 2025, at around 3pm IST, after a series of re-entry manoeuvres,' added Isro. Following his return, Shukla will undergo a rehabilitation programme lasting approximately seven days to readjust to Earth's gravity, under the supervision of flight surgeons.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4: Bengaluru 'water bears' serve their purpose in space
Pics credit: Axiom Space He may have witnessed more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets from orbit, but for Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla , the first eight days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been a whirlwind of scientific discovery. While six of the seven Isro-led experiments are underway, tardigrades or 'water bears' that travelled all the way from Bengaluru to the orbital lab some 400 km from Earth, have served their purpose in space. Shux, who kicked off his scientific experiments with Myogenesis — to investigate the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity inside the Life Sciences Glovebox, marked his first week in orbit by completing the study on tardigrades or 'water bears'. 'Shukla has successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving Tardigrades onboard the ISS,' Isro confirmed. The next step would be for the principal investigators to analyse the data obtained from experiments conducted by Shux. The study focused on tardigrades' survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. It will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environments and has potential applications on Earth especially in the area of therapeutics,' Isro confirmed. Bengaluru 'Water Bears' The water bears at ISS were studied in the Voyager Tardigrades experiment designed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Biochemist Sandeep Eswarappa and team at IISc, who spent over five years studying tardigrades, resilient microscopic organisms that have survived five mass extinctions, discovered a Paramacrobiotus species with an astonishing defence: When exposed to lethal ultraviolet radiation, this species absorbs the harmful rays and emits harmless blue fluorescence instead. That was the first direct experimental evidence of photoprotective fluorescence in any organism. And, it is this 'Bengaluru strain' of the tardigrade that has flown to the ISS with Shux. Other experiments Shux's first eight days in orbit as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission have been defined not just by spectacle, but also a series of intricate biological investigations that could transform both future space missions and life on Earth. The Myogenesis study, on the other hand, is progressing with planned interventions and recording of observations as per the experiment protocol. In parallel, other Indian experiments for studying selected strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria under space conditions are ongoing, contributing to research on regenerative life support systems and crew nutrition. 'As part of the Electronic Displays human research study, Shux carried out daily software-based cognitive and interface assessments. The study aims to optimise crew interaction with digital systems in the unique environment of space,' Isro added. A day before the well-deserved 'rest day' upon completing half his stay at the ISS, he had begun documenting the progress of the Cyanobacteria Growth Experiment, another Isro-led study analysing how photosynthetic bacteria behave in space. These tiny organisms could one day form the backbone of life support systems on long-duration missions, recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen and aiding water regeneration. Shux also helped deploy and manage samples for the Space Microalgae investigation — another study with enormous potential. Microalgae, already valued on Earth for their rapid growth and nutritional content, are being cultivated in orbit to observe how microgravity influences their metabolism, genetic activity, and biomass yield. These hardy organisms may serve as future spacefarers' food, fuel, or even pharmaceutical source.
