India is making remarkable strides in space biotechnology, as demonstrated by the recent collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). This partnership aims to design and conduct groundbreaking experiments that will be a key component of the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). Slated to become operational between 2028 and 2035, the BAS will be India’s first indigenous space station, positioning the nation at the forefront of space research.
- The collaboration is expected to revolutionize how biotechnology is integrated into space exploration, focusing on critical challenges such as nutrient supply, food preservation, radiation exposure, and health hazards in space. The BAS project aims to enhance India’s capabilities in space research, biotechnology, and sustainable innovation.
Key Objectives of the ISRO-DBT Partnership
The partnership between ISRO and DBT is rooted in the BIOE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, which aims to stimulate bio-manufacturing in India. This collaboration aims to address several critical issues that arise during extended space missions.
- Nutritional Challenges in Space: The continuous availability of nutrients is one of the most pressing challenges in space missions. The collaboration will explore how microalgae can serve as a sustainable nutrient source for astronauts. Microalgae, known to grow faster in microgravity, could recycle CO2 into O2, while simultaneously providing nutrition. This could be essential for long-duration missions in space.
- Weightlessness and Muscle Loss: One of the primary biological experiments will focus on the effects of weightlessness on muscle atrophy in astronauts. The absence of gravity leads to muscle loss, and this research could lead to the development of supplements or other biotechnology solutions to prevent muscle degradation during space missions.
- Algae-Based Fuel Production: Another innovative area of research includes exploring how specific types of algae may be processed to produce jet fuel. In addition to providing nutrition, algae could be harnessed to create fuel, further enhancing the sustainability of long-term space missions.
- Radiation Exposure in Space: The collaboration will also study how space radiation affects the health of astronauts aboard space stations. This research will be crucial in developing methods to protect astronauts from cancer, cataracts, and other potential health hazards caused by cosmic radiation.
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): India’s Indigenous Space Station
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is expected to be fully operational by 2035. It will be constructed in three phases, with the first module, BAS-1, launching around 2028. The BAS represents a significant leap for India in space research and biotechnology.
- Orbit and Weight: The BAS will orbit the Earth at a height of 400-450 kilometres and will weigh approximately 52 tonnes.
- Crew Capabilities: The space station will be capable of housing astronauts for 15-20 days during each mission. The crew will work in various modules, including a command module, habitat module, propulsion module, and docking ports.
- Scientific Focus: The primary purpose of the BAS is to facilitate scientific research, with a particular focus on microgravity experiments. Research will include earth observation, material science, biotechnology, and space biology, allowing for innovation in both space exploration and biotechnology.
- Collaboration: India aims to foster international collaboration with other countries and space agencies through the BAS. By working with global partners, India will position itself as a leader in space research and biomanufacturing.
Other Space Stations: A Global Perspective
India’s space station will join a growing list of space stations established by various countries. The most notable include:
- International Space Station (ISS): Operational since 1998, the ISS is a joint project between several countries, including the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe. The ISS is expected to be decommissioned by 2030 due to changing geopolitical dynamics and high operational costs.
- Tiangong Space Station: China has established its own space station, Tiangong, which became fully operational in November 2022. China is now regularly sending crewed missions to the Tiangong, contributing to global space research.
- Russia’s Orbital Service Station (ROSS): Following the expected decommissioning of the ISS, Russia has announced plans to construct its own space station to continue its space exploration initiatives.
The Gaganyaan Mission and Its Role in Space Research
Before the BAS becomes operational, ISRO is focused on the Gaganyaan mission, which will be India’s first crewed space mission. Scheduled for launch between 2025-2026, this mission is a precursor to more advanced space research that will be conducted aboard the BAS.
- Uncrewed Test Missions: Before the manned Gaganyaan mission, there will be three uncrewed test flights. Some of the biotechnology experiments being developed in collaboration with DBT may be tested during these uncrewed missions.
- Gaganyaan’s Role in Space Biotechnology: The experiments conducted during the Gaganyaan mission will lay the groundwork for future biotechnology research aboard the BAS. These include studies on muscle loss, radiation impact, and nutritional requirements in space.
Challenges in Building and Operating a Space Station
The development and operation of a space station like the BAS present numerous challenges, both technical and financial.
- Engineering Complexities: Designing a sustainable space station that can withstand cosmic radiation and micrometeoroid impacts is a significant challenge. Advanced engineering techniques, such as enhanced radiation shielding and autonomous life support systems, will be essential.
- Financial Investment: The estimated cost of building a national space station ranges from $10 billion to $30 billion, a substantial investment compared to ISRO’s current budget of $1.95 billion for the year 2024-25. To manage this, India will explore public-private partnerships and international collaborations to share the financial burden.
- Health Risks: Long-duration space missions pose several health risks for astronauts, such as bone density loss, increased intracranial pressure, and psychological stress. To address these, ISRO is working on exercise regimens, nutritional supplements, and mental health support systems to ensure astronaut well-being during extended missions.
- Logistical Support: A sustainable space station requires regular resupply missions for essentials like food, water, and oxygen. Without reusable rockets, logistical challenges may arise, making it necessary for India to invest in reliable resupply technologies and partner with commercial spaceflight companies.
Benefits of Biotechnology in Space Research
The collaboration between ISRO and DBT has the potential to unlock numerous scientific and technological benefits, not just for space exploration but also for human health, agriculture, and biomanufacturing on Earth.
- Biotechnology for Human Health: Studying muscle loss and radiation exposure in space can lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and biotherapeutics. Insights gained from these experiments could potentially help address age-related muscle loss and diseases such as sarcopenia on Earth.
- Food Security and Sustainability: Research on algae and other microorganisms in space can enhance food sustainability by finding more efficient ways to grow food in harsh environments. This could have significant implications for agriculture, particularly in areas affected by climate change.
- Space Biomanufacturing: The development of biotechnology for waste management and space-based bio-manufacturing could provide new avenues for innovation. This includes the creation of biopolymers, bio-based materials, and smart proteins, which could be produced sustainably in space.
India’s entry into the realm of space biotechnology is a transformative step, one that has far-reaching implications for both space exploration and biotechnology industries. The ISRO-DBT partnership will play a pivotal role in advancing India’s space ambitions, particularly through the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. As India gears up to join the ranks of countries with their own space stations, this collaboration is set to position India as a global leader in biotechnology innovation and sustainable space exploration.