ISRO takes agriculture to orbit with Axiom-4 crop experiments

26 Jun, 2025

India has officially marked a giant leap in space research with the launch of the Axiom-4 Mission on June 25, 2025. One of the biggest highlights of this mission is the involvement of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who will be staying at the International Space Station (ISS) for 14 days alongside three international astronauts.

But what’s truly fascinating are the ISRO-led space experiments, especially those related to farming in space — a concept that could change the future of agriculture both on Earth and beyond.

Let’s explore the groundbreaking experiments ISRO is conducting under the Axiom-4 mission.

Space Farming: The Future Starts Now

One of the primary focuses of the Axiom-4 mission is farming in space. With an eye on long-duration space missions and life-support systems for Moon or Mars colonisation, ISRO has taken a bold step in researching how crops can grow in space.

Key Crop Experiments:

• Six different seed types have been sent to space for observation.
• Researchers from Kerala Agricultural University are studying the genetic behaviour of these seeds.
• Focus: Understanding plant growth in microgravity and exposure to cosmic radiation.

The insights gathered will pave the way for future space-based agriculture systems.

Major Experiments Conducted by ISRO on Axiom-4

1. Study on Cyanobacteria (with ESA Collaboration)

• Two types of cyanobacteria are being studied in microgravity.
• Purpose: Analyse photosynthesis ability and resilience in harsh conditions.
• Goal: Potential use in oxygen generation and life-support systems for Moon/Mars bases.

2. Muscle Loss in Microgravity

• Studying how zero gravity affects muscle tissues.
• Aim: Help future astronauts and elderly muscle degeneration on Earth.

3. Impact of Space on Edible Microalgae

• Conducted by ICGEB and NIPGR.
• Focus on how microgravity and radiation affect nutritional microalgae.
• Use case: Sustainable space food sources.

4. Muscle Regeneration in Space (InStem Study)

• Testing metabolic supplements for regenerating muscle tissue.
• Long-term objective: Combat muscle atrophy in space explorers.

5. Seed Germination in Microgravity

• Crops: Green gram (Moong) and Fenugreek (Methi).
• Conducted by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad & IIT Dharwad.
• Purpose: Study their nutritional value and medicinal benefits in space.

6. Tardigrades Resilience Study

• Tardigrades (microscopic organisms) are known for their survival abilities.
• Testing for reproduction, regeneration, and gene expression in space.

Why Farming in Space Matters

• Supports sustainability for long-term missions.
• Reduces dependency on Earth-supplied food.
• Helps design closed-loop life support systems.
• Offers insights into plant resilience, which can improve crop varieties on Earth.

Real-World Impact and Collaborators

• ISRO, in partnership with ESA, ICGEB, NIPGR, and leading Indian universities, is leading this international research initiative.
• These efforts are scientifically significant and practically aligned with India’s space ambitions.

Key Highlights in Bullet Points

• Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is at ISS for 14 days.
• Focus on farming in space, muscle loss, and seed germination.
• Experiments with cyanobacteria, microalgae, and tardigrades.
• Seed behaviour studied by Kerala Agricultural University.
• India’s first space farming trials under microgravity.

Conclusion

With Axiom-4, ISRO has taken a visionary step toward the future of space exploration. From farming in space to muscle regeneration and algae research, each experiment is a stepping stone for upcoming lunar and interplanetary missions.

As we continue to push boundaries, one thing becomes clear: space is not just the final frontier—it’s the next farm field. 

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