Microgravity Research in Axiom-4 Mission

Microgravity research has gained attention in recent years, especially with advancements in space missions. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront, preparing for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch in May 2025, this mission will involve Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and will carry out seven selected microgravity experiments.

About Microgravity

Microgravity refers to the condition in which objects experience very low gravitational forces. It is often associated with weightlessness in space. The term “micro” indicates accelerations that are one-millionth of Earth’s gravity. This environment allows researchers to study phenomena that cannot be replicated on Earth.

Significance of Microgravity Research

Research in microgravity is crucial for various scientific fields. It provides vital information about human health, physical and life sciences, and material research. The unique conditions enable the development of novel pharmaceuticals and advancements in biotechnology. The findings can lead to improvements in healthcare and agricultural practices.

ISRO’s Selected Experiments

ISRO has shortlisted seven microgravity experiments for the Axiom-4 mission. These experiments aim to explore diverse scientific questions:

1. Impact of Microgravity Radiation on Edible Microalgae
2. Sprouting Salad Seeds in Space (Investigating the growth of salad seeds under microgravity conditions).
3. Growth Responses of Cyanobacteria: Studying the comparative growth and proteomics of cyanobacteria using different nitrogen sources.
4. Survival of Eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp.
5. Human Interaction with Displays: Analyzing how humans interact with electronic displays in a microgravity environment.
6. Muscle Regeneration: Investigating the effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration in microgravity.
7. Impact on Food Crop Seeds: Examining growth and yield parameters in food crop seeds in microgravity.

Future of Microgravity Research in India

The upcoming Axiom-4 mission represents step for India’s microgravity research landscape. The experience gained from these experiments is expected to encourage a robust microgravity research ecosystem in India. This will enhance the country’s capabilities in advanced scientific research and contribute to its space programme.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2025

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs