Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla studies water bears he carried to Space Station

In a groundbreaking research project on the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom-4 colleagues effectively carried out a study on tardigrades, tiny deep-sea extremophiles recognized for their durability in harsh environments.

The research uncovered information about tardigrades’ existence in microgravity, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) announced in a statement on Saturday.

The research, focused on comprehending tardigrades’ endurance and reproductive patterns in space, might have important consequences for creating therapeutic uses on Earth, the statement noted. Shubhanshu Shukla began a biomedical research project on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, making him the first Indian astronaut in the orbiting facility.

Shukla’s mission focuses on the Myogenesis Experiment, carried out within the ISS’s Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG). Alongside the tardigrade research, the Myogenesis study is examining how microgravity influences human muscle recovery. The Gaganyatri team is documenting findings and executing scheduled measures, Isro stated.

Simultaneously, additional experiments focus on examining microalgae and cyanobacteria in space environments, which could be crucial for creating regenerative life support systems and maintaining crew nutrition during extended space missions. An additional fascinating field of study on the ISS centers on human-machine interaction. The study on Electronic Displays is in progress, focusing on enhancing astronauts’ interactions with digital systems in space.

This includes daily cognitive and interface evaluations conducted by ‘Shux’ (Shukla’s call sign), offering insights that may enhance operational effectiveness in the distinctive setting of space.

In addition to thorough scientific studies, Isro is prioritizing educational initiatives aboard the space station. The Indian space agency seeks to motivate students and the public by showcasing scientific concepts in a microgravity environment through its STEM demonstrations onboard the ISS.

According to the space agency’s statement, these initiatives are part of Isro’s larger outreach plan, making the marvels of space science more accessible to people on Earth. The findings from these experiments not only enhance the comprehension of life in space but also possess practical uses on Earth. The resilience strategies of tardigrades may inspire innovative medical treatments, while research on human physiology and biology could improve the health and performance of astronauts, Isro expressed optimism.