Latest news with #SpaceMicroAlgae
India Today
15 hours ago
- Science
- India Today
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla irrigates seeds in space for future farming
Indian astronaut Shubhandhu Shukla has now completed 10 days in space, advancing research critical to the future of long-duration space work spanned several groundbreaking experiments, each addressing unique challenges of sustaining human life beyond Earth. advertisementOne major focus was the myogenesis investigation, which examines how microgravity accelerates muscle atrophy. In the absence of gravity, astronauts experience rapid weakening of skeletal muscles, a phenomenon linked to molecular and cellular changes. Shux meticulously documented the experiment, which seeks to unravel the precise mechanisms behind muscle loss. The ultimate goal is to develop effective countermeasures to preserve astronaut muscle health during extended missions. Recent studies confirm that microgravity disrupts muscle cell differentiation and metabolism, leading to increased muscle degradation and reduced protein synthesis. Current exercise routines, while helpful, do not fully prevent these declines, underlining the urgency of this another assignment, Shux deployed and later stowed samples for the Space Micro Algae experiment. Microalgae are emerging as promising candidates for sustainable life-support systems in space. Their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency, and resilience make them ideal for producing food, oxygen, and even biofuel in closed habitats. Some species can thrive under extreme space conditions and efficiently recycle carbon dioxide and nutrients, potentially supporting long-term missions and extraterrestrial Indian astronaut also irrigated seeds for the Sprouts project, designed to study how spaceflight affects seed germination and plant development. Insights from this project could transform space agriculture. After the mission, the seeds will be cultivated on Earth over several generations, with researchers analysing genetic, microbial, and nutritional aim is to optimise crop production systems that can reliably supply food for future crews, building on recent successes such as ISRO's rapid cowpea germination in the crew gathered data for the Voyager Displays experiment, which investigates how microgravity affects eye movement and hand-eye coordination—critical factors for designing intuitive spacecraft these experiments represent significant strides toward making deep space travel safer and more sustainable, bringing humanity closer to thriving beyond our home planet.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Shubhanshu Shukla explores bone health, radiation effects on the ISS
After a day off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday studied how bones react to microgravity conditions, an experiment that could lead to better treatment of osteoporosis on Earth. On the 10th flight day, Shukla also participated in an experiment to monitor radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which could help better protect astronauts on longer-duration space missions away from Earth. Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is part of a 14-day mission to the ISS conducted by Axiom Space. Shukla, who has the call sign "Shux", is the mission pilot, while veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson is the commander of the mission. Hungarian Tibor Kapu and Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski are mission specialists. "Shux deployed samples for the Space Micro Algae investigation. These tiny organisms might one day help sustain life in space, providing food, fuel, and even breathable air. But first, we need to understand how they grow and adapt in microgravity," Axiom Space said in a statement. The crew participated in the Bone on ISS experiment, providing insight on how bones deteriorate in space and how they recover once back on Earth. By analysing biological markers related to bone formation, inflammation and growth, researchers are building a digital twin -- a virtual model that can simulate how an astronaut's bones respond to spaceflight and recovery, Axiom Space said. "This personalised approach could revolutionise astronaut-health screening, allowing mission planners to predict skeletal risks and tailor countermeasures for each individual. Beyond space, the findings may also lead to better treatments for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions here on Earth," it said. In a separate statement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Shukla successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving tardigrades on board the ISS. "The study focussed on their survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. This study will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environment and has potential applications on Earth, especially in the area of therapeutics," the ISRO said. Shukla and other members of the Axiom-4 mission are scheduled to interact with Axiom Space chief scientist Lucie Low on Sunday on the progress of the 60 science experiments planned for the 14-day sojourn to the orbital laboratory. Shukla also carried out the myogenesis study, which explores the effects of microgravity on human muscle regeneration and is progressing with planned interventions and recording of observations in accordance with 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, the ISRO said. As part of the Electronic Displays human-research study, the Gaganyatri 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, the ISRO said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Axiom-4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla studies bone health, radiation exposure on ISS
After a day off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday (July 5, 2025) studied how bones react to microgravity conditions, an experiment that could lead to better treatment of osteoporosis on Earth. On the 10th flight day, Shukla also participated in an experiment to monitor radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which could help better protect astronauts on longer-duration space missions away from Earth. Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is part of a 14-day mission to the ISS conducted by Axiom Space. Shukla, who has the call sign "Shux", is the mission pilot, while veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson is the commander of the mission. Hungarian Tibor Kapu and Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski are mission specialists. "Shux deployed samples for the Space Micro Algae investigation. These tiny organisms might one day help sustain life in space, providing food, fuel, and even breathable air. But first, we need to understand how they grow and adapt in microgravity," Axiom Space said in a statement. The crew participated in the Bone on ISS experiment, providing insight on how bones deteriorate in space and how they recover once back on Earth. By analysing biological markers related to bone formation, inflammation and growth, researchers are building a digital twin -- a virtual model that can simulate how an astronaut's bones respond to spaceflight and recovery, Axiom Space said. "This personalised approach could revolutionise astronaut-health screening, allowing mission planners to predict skeletal risks and tailor countermeasures for each individual. Beyond space, the findings may also lead to better treatments for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions here on Earth," it said. In a separate statement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Shukla successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving tardigrades on board the ISS. "The study focussed on their survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. This study will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environment and has potential applications on Earth, especially in the area of therapeutics," the ISRO said. Shukla and other members of the Axiom-4 mission are scheduled to interact with Axiom Space chief scientist Lucie Low on Sunday on the progress of the 60 science experiments planned for the 14-day sojourn to the orbital laboratory. Shukla also carried out the myogenesis study, which explores the effects of microgravity on human muscle regeneration and is progressing with planned interventions and recording of observations in accordance with 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, the ISRO said. As part of the Electronic Displays human-research study, the Gaganyatri 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, the ISRO said.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Shubhanshu Shukla studies bone health, radiation exposure on ISS
After a day off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday studied how bones react to microgravity conditions, an experiment that could lead to better treatment of osteoporosis on Earth. On the 10th flight day, Shukla also participated in an experiment to monitor radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which could help better protect astronauts on longer-duration space missions away from Earth. Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is part of a 14-day mission to the ISS conducted by Axiom Space. Shukla, who has the call sign 'Shux', is the mission pilot, while veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson is the commander of the mission. Hungarian Tibor Kapu and Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski are mission specialists. 'Shux deployed samples for the Space Micro Algae investigation. These tiny organisms might one day help sustain life in space, providing food, fuel, and even breathable air. But first, we need to understand how they grow and adapt in microgravity,' Axiom Space said in a statement. The crew participated in the Bone on ISS experiment, providing insight on how bones deteriorate in space and how they recover once back on Earth. By analysing biological markers related to bone formation, inflammation and growth, researchers are building a digital twin — a virtual model that can simulate how an astronaut's bones respond to spaceflight and recovery, Axiom Space said. 'This personalised approach could revolutionise astronaut-health screening, allowing mission planners to predict skeletal risks and tailor countermeasures for each individual. Beyond space, the findings may also lead to better treatments for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions here on Earth,' it said. In a separate statement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Shukla successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving tardigrades on board the ISS. 'The study focussed on their survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. This study will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environment and has potential applications on Earth, especially in the area of therapeutics,' the ISRO said. Shukla and other members of the Axiom-4 mission are scheduled to interact with Axiom Space chief scientist Lucie Low on Sunday on the progress of the 60 science experiments planned for the 14-day sojourn to the orbital laboratory. Shukla also carried out the myogenesis study, which explores the effects of microgravity on human muscle regeneration and is progressing with planned interventions and recording of observations in accordance with 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, the ISRO said. As part of the Electronic Displays human-research study, the Gaganyatri 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, the ISRO said.
