ISRO-DBT Agreement to Conduct Biotechnology Experiments in Space Station

ISRO-DBT Agreement to Conduct Biotechnology Experiments in Space Station

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space sector

• Agreement between ISRO and DBT:
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement to collaborate on designing and conducting biotechnology experiments.
  • These experiments will be integrated into the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s planned indigenous space station.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):
  • The BAS is expected to be operational between 2028 and 2035, marking India’s foray into establishing a permanent space station.
  • This project aims to advance India’s capabilities in space exploration and bio-science research.
• Focus on Health Impact Experiments:
  • Some of the proposed experiments include:
    • Studying how weightlessness affects muscle loss in astronauts.
    • Exploring types of algae that could serve as nutritional supplements or preserve food for longer durations in space.
    • Investigating how certain algae might be processed to produce jet fuel.
    • Analyzing the impact of radiation on the health of individuals aboard space stations.
  • Potential Inclusion in Gaganyaan Mission:
    • Before the BAS project, ISRO’s major focus is the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed mission to space, slated for launch in 2025-2026.
    • There will be three uncrewed test missions prior to the main Gaganyaan mission. Some of the proposed biotechnology experiments may be tested during these flights.
  • Bio-Manufacturing and the BIOE3 Policy:
    • The ISRO-DBT partnership stems from the BIOE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy initiated by DBT.
    • This policy aims to boost bio-manufacturing in India, with the bio-economy expected to reach a valuation of $300 billion by 2030.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) 

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will be India’s first indigenous space station, scheduled for establishment in 2028.

BAS is designed as a national space-based facility to support advanced microgravity research and technology development.

It aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in space technology and provide a platform for scientific experiments in a controlled microgravity environment.

As part of this vision, the objective is to launch an operational space station by 2035 and pursue a crewed lunar mission by 2040, extending India’s capabilities in human space exploration.

BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment)

The BioE3 Policy is initiated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to foster high-performance biomanufacturing.

It focuses on the integration of advanced biotechnological processes to produce a range of products, from medicines to materials, addressing challenges in farming and food and promoting the manufacturing of bio-based products.