Empowering India: Embrace the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vishwabandhu Principles for a Self-Reliant Future

India recently took a major step in space exploration with the successful docking of the Dragon spacecraft at the International Space Station (ISS). Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, celebrated this achievement, highlighting that Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is aboard, along with three other crew members. This mission reflects India’s growing capabilities in science and technology, emphasizing self-reliance and international cooperation.

Dr. Singh pointed out that all the experiments Shukla will conduct on the ISS come from Indian institutions. This shift signifies that India is not just launching rockets anymore; it’s actively participating in scientific research in space. He said, “India’s role in space is now about shaping the future of life and science beyond our planet.” The outcomes of these experiments are expected to benefit not just India but the entire global scientific community.

The mission includes seven unique microgravity experiments aimed at various scientific inquiries. These endeavors align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-sufficient India collaborating globally for scientific breakthroughs. The knowledge gained could greatly enhance our understanding of life in space and its implications for Earth.

One of the key experiments revolves around edible microalgae, led by research teams from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in New Delhi. This study hopes to understand how microalgae grow and metabolize in space, which could improve astronaut nutrition and assist in recycling waste—vital for long-term human presence in space.

Another intriguing study, from the University of Agricultural Sciences and the Indian Institute of Technology, explores how moong and methi seeds germinate in space. The findings could result in nutritious food sources for astronauts while also analyzing the health benefits of these sprouts under microgravity conditions.

Health challenges in space are being tackled through a study from BRIC-InStem in Bengaluru that addresses muscle loss, a common problem faced by astronauts. By replicating muscle regeneration in microgravity, this research aims to identify solutions for muscle degradation and, potentially, new therapies for musculoskeletal conditions on Earth.

Additionally, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru are investigating how tardigrades, known for their hardiness, survive in space. This may provide insights into human adaptability and survival strategies in extreme environments.

The fifth experiment looks at how astronauts interact with technology in microgravity, informing safer spacecraft designs. Another study examines growth patterns of cyanobacteria using urea in microgravity, potentially leading to sustainable recycling methods for space missions.

Lastly, the seventh experiment assesses the viability of various seeds, such as rice and tomato, exposed to space conditions. This research aims to advance space agriculture and develop climate-resilient crops that can thrive both in space and on Earth.

As Dr. Jitendra Singh noted, these pioneering efforts position India as a rising leader in space sciences. “India is leading missions of planetary relevance,” he stated, underscoring the potential for sustainable living in both space and on Earth.

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