Shubhanshu Shukla and the New Frontier of Space Biology

Shukla’s participation in the Axion Mission 4 signals a systems-level turn in Indian space research.

As Axiom Mission 4 enters its final phase aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to live and work in space, is concluding a remarkable series of biological experiments that bridge decades of research and look boldly into the future. His mission, launched on June 25 and has commenced on its return home, marks not only a personal milestone but a collective step forward for Indian science in the orbiting laboratory of the world.

Shukla’s scientific itinerary reflects an evolution in how space life sciences are approached. Earlier generations of space biology, as documented in NASA’s Life into Space volumes and ESA’s Biological Experiments in Space, focused on basic questions of survival: Could seeds sprout in space? Would microbes mutate? How would human bones respond to zero gravity? The answers, often surprising, laid the groundwork for what Shukla’s mission is now extending: a systems-level inquiry into how entire biological subsystems adapt, function, and potentially evolve in microgravity.

One of the most celebrated experiments of his mission involves the sprouting of methi (fenugreek) and moong (green gram) seeds - staples of Indian diets and agricultural science. Using petri dishes and a controlled moisture environment, Shukla has nurtured these seeds aboard the ISS, observing germination in the absence of gravity. They will now be analyzed for any morphological or molecular changes after their return. Earlier studies from Skylab and Shuttle missions had shown that gravity influences root directionality, growth rate, and hormonal balances. This new data may offer insights into genetic or epigenetic adaptation over generations, with relevance both for space farming and climate-resilient agriculture on Earth.

Complementing it are cultures of Indian microalgae and cyanobacteria, tested as future life-support systems in space.

These photosynthetic organisms are capable of converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and biomass, offering a sustainable source of air and food. Past missions found that microalgae can survive in space but often display altered metabolism or reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Shukla’s experiments, designed in collaboration with Indian biotech institutes, aim to test the viability and nutritional profiles of these organisms under prolonged spaceflight conditions.

On the biomedical front, the mission includes two ambitious payloads – ‘Bone on ISS’ and ‘Myogenesis’ which study the breakdown and rebuilding of bone and muscle tissue in microgravity. Previous data from NASA and ESA showed that astronauts experience rapid bone density loss and muscle atrophy. Shukla’s contribution involves 3D scaffolds seeded with human stem cells, monitored for cellular behaviour in orbit. These tissue models are used to create digital twin simulations, providing personalized insights into astronaut health and opening pathways for regenerative therapies back on Earth.

A third key focus is the study of tardigrades, which are microscopic organisms known for their resilience to extreme environments, including radiation, desiccation, and vacuum. These “water bears” were first flown into space in the 2000s and astonished researchers with their ability to survive exposure to open space. Shukla’s experiment, developed by IISc Bengaluru, explores how tardigrades respond at the genetic and protein levels to sustained microgravity, potentially revealing mechanisms of cellular protection and DNA repair with applications far beyond astrobiology.

In parallel, Shukla has been participating in a cognitive science experiment titled “Screens in Space,” led by IISc. This research involves testing how microgravity affects human interaction with digital interfaces, such as touchscreens and eye-tracking systems. Earlier studies had shown that astronauts experience reduced concentration, slower reflexes, and fatigue. The goal is to optimize cockpit and workstation design for long-duration missions, where quick, intuitive control can mean the difference between routine success and critical failure.

Together, these diverse strands form a holistic tapestry of space biology. Where past missions asked whether life could survive in space, Shukla’s work asks how it might flourish—how it might adapt, regenerate, and sustain itself in the absence of gravity. His mission also reflects a conceptual pivot: space is no longer merely a destination; it is a biosphere-in-progress. His work on the ISS aligns with this vision, laying the groundwork for future space habitats where humans, plants, microbes, and machines must coexist in closed-loop systems of shared survival.

Historically, space life sciences were the domain of a few well-funded nations. India, despite its strengths in terrestrial biology and an expanding space program, had limited access to orbital biology platforms. Shukla’s presence aboard the ISS, enabled by ISRO’s partnership with Axiom Space and supported by CSIR, DRDO, ICMR, and multiple universities, marks a turning point. It clearly communicates that Indian science is prepared to play a meaningful role in shaping the biological future of space.

Beyond samples, the mission is expected to return with tales of seeds sprouting without soil, cells regenerating in zero gravity, and microbes glowing under alien light. It signals that Indian science, long grounded in earthly life, is now reaching for the stars with intent and finesse.

Whether on the Moon, Mars, or a future Indian space station, the challenges of sustaining life beyond Earth will demand solutions that are scientific, ecological, and ethical. Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is a vital rehearsal for that future. It reminds us that biology is not bound by planet or atmosphere; it is a technology in itself, one that adapts, endures, and evolves.

He may still be circling above, but the seeds he has planted, in petri dishes, datasets, and imaginations, are already taking root below.

(The author is the former Director, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune and Visiting Professor, IIT Bombay. Views personal.)