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Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will carry out at least 7 experiments, which include cultivating crops & researching tardigrades during his 14-day mission at the International Space Station (ISS) next month. Shukla, along with other astronauts from the US, Hungary, & Poland, will take part in the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4), a collaboration involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, & the European Space Agency (ESA). Shubhanshu Shukla will become India’s 2nd astronaut to travel to space since the year 1984.
Among the various Ax-4 experiments, one will find out the revival, survival, & reproduction of “water bears” or tardigrades aboard the International Space Station. The study, conducted by Shukla & the other astronauts, will analyze the gene expression patterns of the tardigrades from space-flown populations when compared to those on the ground.
This experiment can enable advancements in biotechnology & inform further space travel as well, Axiom Space said.