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ISRO and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement for space experiments to be integrated into India’s future space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
This collaboration highlights India’s growing focus on space research and biotechnology.
Why Collaborate for Space Experiments?
The key challenges in space missions are the continuous availability of nutrients, preservation of food, microgravity and radiation, health hazards such as cancers, cataracts, bone and muscle loss among others.
The MoU will help address these issues using biotechnology.
Potential Experiments:
Investigating the effects of weightlessness on muscle loss in astronauts.
Identifying algae species that could serve as nutrients or extend food preservation.
Exploring the processing of specific algae for jet fuel production.
Assessing the impact of radiation on the health of individuals aboard space stations.
The initiative aligns with India’s goal to develop a robust bio-economy, projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
BIOE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy by the DBT aims to stimulate ‘bio-manufacturing’
Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
BAS is India's proposed indigenous space station for scientific research.
It will be built in three phases and will have five modules.
The first module, known as BAS-1, is expected to be launched in 2028, and the station will be fully operational by 2035.
Orbit: The BAS will orbit the Earth at a height of around 400–450 kilometres.
Weight: The station will weigh about 52 tonnes.
Astronauts will be able to stay in orbit for 15–20 days
Modules: The BAS will have a crew command module, habitat module, propulsion module, and docking ports.
The BAS will be used for scientific research, including microgravity experiments, earth observation, and fostering innovation.
The BAS will promote international collaboration with other countries and space agencies.
The ISRO will lead the program, which will also involve industry, academia, and other national agencies.
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