New Delhi – A major development has emerged regarding the upcoming mission of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. According to an official statement from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Shukla will conduct a series of cutting-edge microgravity experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic step for India’s space exploration journey.
As per the announcement, seven microgravity experiments have been selected for this mission. These experiments have been proposed by Indian researchers from various national R&D laboratories and academic institutions. The studies will focus on key domains including human health, biology, materials research, drug development, and biotechnology.
The mission, scheduled to begin on June 8, will see Shukla conducting multiple experiments in space. Among the most significant ones are:
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Effects of space radiation on microalgae
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Growth of salad seeds in space
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Survivability and reproduction of tardigrades (tiny extremophiles) in microgravity
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Impact of dietary supplements on muscle development
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Growth patterns of food crop seeds in space conditions
All the experiments will be conducted using ISS facilities and will be thoroughly vetted before being transported to space.
A Landmark Mission for ISRO
This mission holds immense significance for ISRO, as it will mark the first time an Indian astronaut visits the ISS. Shubhanshu Shukla will become only the second Indian to journey into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.
He will be joined by Slavosh Uznański-Wiśniewski from Europe and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been designated as the backup pilot.
With eyes from across the globe—especially India—fixed on this high-stakes mission, ISRO is poised to showcase its growing stature in the realm of manned spaceflight and international collaboration.
