Why Is ISRO Sending Moong Dal and Methi to Space?

June 25, 2025: The Axiom Mission 4, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has embarked on a historic journey from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying with it one of the most ambitious science agendas in the history of commercial space travel. With 60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries, this mission is a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA and ISRO.

Among the standout contributors is ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), which is conducting several experiments that could revolutionize space agriculture, life support systems, and human health during long-duration space missions.

Key ISRO Experiments on Axiom Mission 4:

🌱 Crop Seeds in Space

ISRO will study the impact of microgravity on six crop seed varieties (including methi and moong dal). After their return, the seeds will be cultivated for generations to analyze genetic shifts and adaptations. The goal? Building resilient food sources for future space colonization.

🧬 Sprouts & Genetic Analysis

ISRO scientists aim to assess how spaceflight influences seed germination, microbial load, and nutrient composition. This could lead to breakthroughs in long-term space farming and nutrient optimization.

🧫 Cyanobacteria for Life Support

Two cyanobacteria strains will be grown aboard the ISS to understand their photosynthesis efficiency and biochemical behavior in space. Cyanobacteria may become key components of closed-loop life support systems in future missions.

🌊 Space Microalgae

Microalgae, with their potential to serve as food, fuel, and bio-reactors, are another ISRO focus. Three algae strains will be analyzed for growth and metabolism under zero gravity, offering insights into sustainable life support.

💪 Myogenesis – Fighting Muscle Loss

This experiment targets muscle atrophy in space, identifying biological pathways behind muscle loss and seeking therapies to counteract it. This research has dual benefits—helping astronauts and advancing treatment for age-related or sedentary muscle diseases on Earth.

🧠 Voyager Displays

In partnership with other agencies, ISRO is evaluating how humans interact with computer displays in microgravity. The research could inform future spacecraft interface design and how to reduce stress during space missions.

A Global Collaboration with Indian Leadership

With participation from NASA, ISRO, and other global institutions, Axiom Mission 4 is a powerful symbol of international cooperation in science and space exploration. ISRO’s experiments, rooted in real-world applications, promise to advance both space technology and Earth-based science.

As the world looks beyond Earth for sustainable living solutions, India’s presence in space science is not only growing—but leading.