Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
01/31/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/31/2025 09:46
ISRO ESA collaboration in microgravity research in upcoming Axiom 4 Mission
January 31, 2025
(Posted On: 31 JAN 2025 08:48 PM by PIB Delhi)
Recently, ISRO and European Space Agency (ESA) have entered into an agreement to cooperate on activities related to Astronaut Training, Mission Implementation and Research Experiments. This agreement provides an opportunity for undertaking joint microgravity experiments. In this regard, following microgravity research experiments by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) have been jointlyshortlisted by ISRO &ESAfor implementation on International Space Station (ISS) during Axiom-4 mission:
| S.No. | Microgravity Experiment | Institution/s |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Comparative growth and proteomics responses of cyanobacteria on urea and nitrate in microgravity | International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB); Dept. of Biotechnology |
| 2. | Impact of Microgravity on Growth and Yield Parameters in Food Crop Seeds | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Dept. of Space & College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University |
Currently, these shortlisted microgravity experiments are under various phases of evaluation in view of safety driven operational philosophy of human spaceflight missions. Further, ISRO& ESA will be jointly carrying outhuman research and other scientific/ technology demonstration experiments.
In addition to these, cooperation in microgravity research with other space agencies during Axiom-4 mission is also being actively pursued.
The field of microgravity research with potential applications in human health research, physical sciences, material sciences, novel pharmaceutical development and biotechnology offers significant opportunities to national scientific community. Indian Human Space Program, Gaganyaanaims to encourage and supportIndian scientific community in microgravity research activities through flight opportunities in ISRO'smissions as well as joint international efforts.