Shubhanshu Shukla Experiments Tardigrades & Microalgae

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla experiments tardigrades & microalgae. Discover 12 science-packed experiments shaping Gaganyaan’s future.

What’s the story
India’s first commercial astronaut steps into space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched aboard SpaceX’s Axiom-4 on June 25, 2025, docking at the ISS on June 26 after 230 orbits and over 6 million miles traveled. He’s India’s first astronaut aboard ISS and second ever in orbit. Over 14 days in microgravity, he’s performing seven experiments designed by ISRO and Indian institutions alongside a global roster of 60 experiments from 31 countries. With studies on muscle, plants, microbes, and the tiny tardigrade, this mission is India’s most science-focused yet. For young Indian readers, this means dreams of space aren’t sci‑fi—they’re real, and full of promise.

Space farming
Green gram moong sprouts defy gravity

Shukla is growing moong dal and methi seeds aboard the ISS to see how microgravity affects germination and growth. This tiny space farm will test if staple grains can thrive off-planet. Approximately 2 seed types are tested in microgravity, compared with ground controls. Scientists from IIT Dharwad and Kerala Agricultural University aim to spot genetic or nutrient changes—data that’ll shape future space agriculture. If sprouting works, astronauts on Mars trips may grow their own food. For Indian kids, it’s like planting seeds in zero-G. It’s not sci‑fi—it’s real food science happening now.

Microalgae growth
Tiny algae could power air and food systems

Indian teams from ICGEB and ESA are studying cyanobacteria and microalgae aboard the ISS. Two strains of cyanobacteria are grown with urea vs nitrate, and three microalgae strains are tested. These microbes produce oxygen and may serve as food or biofuel in space. That’s 5 microbe strains across conditions. Space conditions may trigger enhanced photosynthesis or nutrient shifts. For kids, think of algae like tiny air factories. If it works, future astronauts could just “grow their lunch” aboard spacecraft. It’s a living experiment in resilience—and it’s begun.

Muscle study
Fighting bone and muscle loss in zero gravity

The Myogenesis experiment led by InStem examines muscle stem cells in microgravity. Muscle degeneration affects astronauts at about 1–2 % muscle loss per week, so understanding regeneration is key. Shukla helped collect data from BioCell plates in the glovebox. Findings may help protect astronauts on Gaganyaan and aid elderly or bedridden patients on Earth. For kids, it’s like figuring how to keep your muscles strong, even in a roller coaster ride. Space is testing it—and the data could help us all stay fit.

🔎 Quick Fact Box

• 14-day mission with 230+ orbits & 6 million+ miles
• 7 Indian experiments out of 60 global studies on ISS
• Moong & methi sprouts, microalgae, muscle stem cells, tardigrades, cognitive screens
• First Indian on ISS in 41 years after Rakesh Sharma
• Tardigrade revival could take space travel leaps forward

Digital display test
Screens in Space checks astronaut focus

The Voyager Displays study from IISc examines how Shukla interacts with screens in microgravity. They test pointing accuracy, stress, and cognitive load using ISO 9241 and WHO wellbeing metrics. With daily tasks logged, researchers compare ISS results to Earth-based controls. It’s crucial—astronauts rely on tablets and screens a lot. If they struggle with microgravity, mission efficiency may drop. Data will guide the design of next-gen spacecraft UIs. For young readers, it’s like testing your tablet on a trampoline—ensuring it’s not too confusing to use when bouncing around!

Tardigrade revival
Water bears wake up in zero-G

Tiny tardigrades—micro “water bears”—went dormant before launch and were revived aboard the ISS by Shukla. The Voyager Tardigrades project studies survival, reproduction, and gene changes. Analysis will compare the space-flew group to Earth controls. Tardigrades have survived vacuum, radiation, and long dormancy before—back to life by rehydration was seen in earlier studies. If they can wake up and reproduce, it shows life’s durability and hints at hibernation options for humans. Young space explorers will see that even the smallest creatures can teach big science lessons.

Bone research
Tracking skeletal strength in orbit

Shukla collected data for the Bone on ISS study led by Axiom Space and ISRO. Microgravity causes bone density to drop roughly 1–2 % per month. The mission creates a digital twin by tracking bone markers before, during, and after the mission. This virtual model helps predict risks and design custom countermeasures. We all need strong bones, not just astronauts. These findings might improve osteoporosis treatments back home. Imagine a world where doctors use space data to keep you healthy despite age or injury.

Radiation monitoring
Eyes on cosmic rays and crew safety

Radiation sensors aboard the ISS collect real-time data across the 14 days of Shukla’s mission . Cosmic radiation is a major risk beyond Low Earth Orbit, and the data helps map exposure trends. With each orbit, astronauts get different radiation levels. Shukla’s data contributes to models that shape Gaganyaan shielding and future deep-space travel. For curious minds, think of wearing invisible badges that record dangerous rays so planners know how safe space really is.

Space education
STEM lessons bridge space and classroom

Shukla led STEMonstrations—live science links from ISS to Indian classrooms. Students joined virtual sessions demonstrating microgravity science. India’s young learners could ask questions and watch experiments in real-time. This isn’t just cool—it lights a spark. Seeing space up close empowers kids to dream big—maybe they become future scientists or astronauts. It’s like a live field trip to space!

Deep‑space prep
Data paves way for Gaganyaan astronauts

All seven experiments aboard Ax‑4 feed into India’s Gaganyaan mission—the first crewed Indian spacecraft planned for 2026. Whether it’s safe food, radiation shields, UI design, muscle/bone health, or microbe systems—every finding helps solve deep-space puzzles. Gaganyaan astronauts will benefit from these solutions, making India’s upcoming missions safer and smarter. For Indian audiences, it’s proof: these experiments aren’t abstract—they’re building our path into space.

Final call
India’s space dreams need your support

Shukla’s mission is a leap—230 orbits, 60 experiments, and seven Indian-designed studies. It shows India is ready for space science—this matters because your future may include space farms or cosmic medicine. “This mission is opening doors for Indian researchers,” Shukla said, expressing pride in bridging India and ISS science. Let’s cheer on science—share this journey, inspire kids, and support our explorers. The next Indian astronaut’s path is already being paved by today’s work. Let’s keep dreaming, learning, and reaching for the stars.

Also Read – Solar System Visitor 3I/ATLAS Sparks Awe and Wonder

Hear from the #Ax4 astronauts about the significance of the mission and how we are expanding access to LEO for countries to pursue their space exploration goals, leading to advancements #ForEarth. We are building era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels… pic.twitter.com/p6rdxMqnc9

— Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) July 7, 2025