Innovative Space Biology Research: NASA and ISRO Unite for Groundbreaking Experiments on Axiom Mission 4

The American space agency NASA has partnered with India’s ISRO to conduct a series of scientific experiments on Axiom Mission 4, a privately-operated crewed mission heading to the International Space Station, scheduled to launch no earlier than June 10 on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This mission will involve studies focusing on human biology, plant development, and technology utilization in a microgravity environment. The research will examine Myogenesis-ISRO (investigating muscle stem cells and the functionality of mitochondria), Sprouts-ISRO (cultivating greengram and fenugreek seeds), Space Microalgae-ISRO (studying the growth of nutrient-rich green microalgae), Voyager Tardigrade-ISRO (experimenting with microscopic water bears in space), and Voyager Displays-ISRO (observing astronauts’ interactions with electronic screens). The goal of these studies is to enhance astronaut health and muscle maintenance, promote food growth in orbit, and optimize life-support systems for long-term space missions.

Biological Research in Space: Muscles, Seeds, and Algae

Nasa’s official website indicates that the Sprouts-ISRO study aims to sprout and cultivate greengram and fenugreek seeds on the ISS to investigate their growth, genetic characteristics, and nutritional content in microgravity. The Myogenesis-ISRO project utilizes human muscle stem cell cultures to analyze how space travel affects muscle recovery and mitochondrial function, as well as experimenting with substances that promote muscle health during extended missions. The Space Microalgae-ISRO project investigates how green microalgae thrive and adapt in microgravity, as rapidly reproducing, nutrient-dense algae may provide a fresh food source and assist in recycling air and water on spacecraft.

These combined space biology experiments could lead to innovative methods for cultivating fresh food during missions, sustaining muscle mass over long durations, and even aiding in muscle loss and nutritional treatments on Earth.

Exploring Extremes and Human Interaction in Space

The Voyager Displays-ISRO experiment scrutinizes how astronauts engage with tablets and other digital interfaces in microgravity, assessing pointing activities, gaze patterns, and indicators of stress and well-being. The Voyager Tardigrade-ISRO study takes microscopic tardigrades into space, reviving them in orbit, and comparing their survival, reproduction, and gene expression with those on the ground subjected to cosmic radiation and extreme conditions.

By understanding the factors that contribute to tardigrades’ extraordinary resilience, researchers aspire to develop strategies to safeguard astronauts on prolonged missions. Additionally, insights from the display research may inform improved user-interface designs for spacecraft and provide enhancements for touchscreen technologies back on Earth.