• Source:JND
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Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to conduct five joint science experiments with NASA aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, scheduled as part of Axiom Mission-4, marks an important step in the collaboration between India’s space agency ISRO and international partners, including NASA and ESA.

Originally slated for liftoff on May 29, 2025, the Axiom-4 mission is now expected to launch no earlier than June 8, according to NASA. Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot and astronaut designate under India’s Human Spaceflight Programme, will be one of four astronauts aboard the mission.

A key component of Shukla’s mission includes biological experiments designed to support sustainable living in space. One of the main experiments will explore the sprouting and growth of green gram and fenugreek seeds under microgravity conditions. These are aimed at understanding how to develop India-specific, long-duration food systems for future space habitats. This research could help pave the way for efficient life-support systems crucial to deep-space missions.

Speaking about the mission’s collaborative nature, Dana Weigel, manager of the ISS Programme at NASA, said, “NASA and ISRO will host a joint public downlink event to showcase the strength of international collaboration and our shared commitment to expanding access to space.”

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Seven Indian Experiments, Five Joint Studies

In total, seven biological experiments proposed by Indian scientists will be carried out by Shukla. Additionally, five joint science investigations between NASA and ISRO will focus on human research programmes, further strengthening scientific partnerships across continents.

ISRO project director Sudeesh Balan explained, “The seven experiments we had announced earlier are mostly biological and are those proposed by Indian scientists. Aside from these, there will be five experiments in partnership with NASA.”

Students To Interact With Shukla From Space

Beyond the scientific goals, the mission will also serve a strong educational and outreach purpose. Shukla will interact with students across India from space in a live session as part of a dedicated event. Radio technology aboard the ISS will be used for this communication. 

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