ISRO recently shared an exciting update on July 4, announcing that "Gaganyatri has successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving Tardigrades on board the ISS." As part of its mission, ISRO also aims to inspire students and the general public by showing them what life and science look like in space through outreach activities and live science demonstrations on the ISS. The microgravity environment offers a great way to explain scientific concepts in an interesting and practical way.

Meanwhile, India is celebrating a big moment in its space journey as Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, also known as Gaganyatri, has completed more than half of his mission at the International Space Station (ISS). He is there as part of the Axiom 4 mission, which was launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Crew Dragon.

This 14-day mission is a joint effort between ISRO (India’s space agency), NASA, and Axiom Space. During the mission, Shukla is carrying out seven scientific experiments that could help us learn more about space biology and support longer space missions in the future. In an interview with NDTV, NASA biologist Dr Sharmila Bhattacharya talked about the Indian experiments and why they are important. Dr Bhattacharya, who has sent at least nine experiments to the ISS and trained astronauts like Sunita Williams, said she is very happy to see India growing stronger in space science.

Sprouting Indian nutrition in space

One of the most exciting experiments is called "Sprouts," led by Dr Ravikumar Hosamani. This experiment is growing two important Indian plants, fenugreek (methi) and green gram (moong dal) in space. These plants are very healthy and good for bones, heart, and the immune system.

The seeds will sprout in space, then be brought back to Earth to study how they grew in microgravity. Dr Sharmila Bhattacharya said this is the first time these seeds are being tested in space, and the results can help plan future space food. The astronaut will not eat them this time; scientists will check for safety and growth first.

Crop seeds and space farming

Another experiment, called "Crop Seeds on ISS," is led by Dr Kumaran Sreejalekshmi from IIST in Kerala. This experiment exposes Indian crop seeds to space, and then scientists will check how they grow after coming back to Earth.

Cyanobacteria and microalgae

Two other experiments will study cyanobacteria and microalgae. These are tiny living things that can make oxygen and could be used for food or biofuel in space. Dr Bhattacharya explained that cyanobacteria can help manage oxygen and carbon dioxide levels on a spacecraft. Microalgae can also be a food supplement and a source of fuel. Understanding how they behave in space is important for long-term missions.

Muscle loss study (Myogenesis)

The "Myogenesis" experiment will study how muscle cells weaken in microgravity. Astronauts often lose muscle strength in space, so this experiment will help find ways to reduce that problem. Dr Bhattacharya said studying cells in the lab can show important details and help develop better exercise plans, food, or medicines for astronauts.

Vision and coordination test

Another experiment will check how living in microgravity affects an astronaut’s vision and movement skills. Using special computer screens and software, scientists will study changes in how astronauts see and control their movements. Dr Bhattacharya said even small changes in these skills can affect how astronauts work with computers and equipment in space.

These experiments are helping India move closer to bigger goals, like building its own space station and sending an astronaut to the Moon by 2040, as announced by Prime Minister Modi. Dr Bhattacharya said doing science in space is very hard because it needs many approvals and careful planning. But these small steps are important to prepare for the future. She praised the teamwork of the Axiom 4 mission, calling it a great example of how different countries can work together to make new scientific discoveries.