India is set to make advances in space nutrition through pioneering experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). These initiatives, announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, aim to find sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions. These experiments are part of India’s BioE3 initiative, under the Biotechnology Policy and highlights the country’s commitment to global leadership in biotechnology.
Microgravity and edible microalgae
The first experiment will assess the effect of microgravity on edible microalgae. These organisms are rich in proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds. Their growth is very rapid, with some species able to double in biomass within 26 hours. The research also investigates key growth parameters and interactions in the space environment. It will investigate changes in biological components and aims to identify the best microalgae species for use in space missions.
Benefits of Microalgae in Space
Microalgae offer many advantages for sustaining life in space. They can efficiently absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which is essential for living in closed environments such as spacecraft. Their high biomass yield in photobioreactors makes them a space-efficient option for food production. This capability is essential for long-duration missions where resources are limited.
Cyanobacteria research
The second experiment will focus on cyanobacteria, specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus. Researchers will compare their growth in urea versus nitrate media under microgravity conditions. The study aims to understand their metabolic pathways and explore their potential as “superfoods.” The rapid growth and efficient photosynthesis of these organisms make them a great choice during space travel, making human waste a valuable resource for recycling into usable products.
Self-reliance in space missions
Recycling carbon and nitrogen from human waste is vital to achieving self-sufficiency in spacecraft and future extraterrestrial colonies. By taking advantage of cyanobacteria, missions could create a closed-loop system that supports human life without relying on external supplies.
Global Relevance and India’s Strategic Positioning
India’s space nutrition experiment places the country among a select group of nations working on closed-loop life support systems for future space travel. As agencies like NASA and ESA explore Mars missions, India’s research contributes valuable data to the global scientific community. These findings could influence future international collaborations, food security planning in extreme environments, and innovations in bioregenerative life support systems.
By proactively investing in such advanced biotechnology, India not only strengthens its position in space research but also opens opportunities in bioeconomy and sustainable living models.
DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry
The experiments are supported by the newly built DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry in New Delhi. This state-of-the-art facility is meant for developing biotechnology innovations. It uses the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle. It focuses on microbial platforms and aims to improve food, agriculture, and to create products for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals. The Biofoundry’s capabilities enable technology transfer to startups and manufacturers.
Implications for Earth-Based Applications
Interestingly, the insights gained from studying microalgae and cyanobacteria in space may also have benefits for Earth. These organisms are already known for their role in sustainable agriculture, biofuels, and malnutrition solutions.
If optimized successfully in microgravity, similar bioengineered strains could be deployed in remote or disaster-hit areas where conventional food supply is a challenge. Thus, space nutrition research not only supports astronauts but could also address food and climate resilience challenges here on Earth.
FAQs: Nutrition Experiment
What are the smallest algae called?
Ans: Microalgae or microphytes
What are the 3 types of algae?
Ans: Green algae, red algae, and brown algae
What are cyanobacteria?
Ans: They are bacteria that have some characteristics of plants.
What is another name for algae?
Ans: Phycophyta
