NEWS – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has partnered with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The agreement aims to design and conduct experiments for integration into the forthcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed indigenous space station.

BHARATIYA ANTARIKSH STATION (BAS)

• Timeline: Expected to take shape between 2028 and 2035.
• Purpose: To facilitate various experiments in biotechnology and other fields in a space environment.

Proposed Experiments

• The collaboration will explore several key areas, including:
  • Impact of Weightlessness: Investigating how weightlessness affects muscle loss in astronauts.
  • Nutritional Algae: Identifying algae species suitable for nutritional supplements or food preservation.
  • Algae as Jet Fuel: Examining methods to process certain algae for use as jet fuel.
  • Radiation Effects: Studying the impact of space radiation on the health of astronauts aboard space stations.

BIO-MANUFACTURING INITIATIVE

• BIOE3 Policy:
  • Launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to promote biotechnology in India.
  • Focuses on stimulating bio-manufacturing sectors.
  • Aims for the bio-economy to reach a value of $300 billion by 2030.
• Sector Benefits:
  • The space bio-manufacturing sector will foster:
    • Innovations in human health research.
    • Development of novel pharmaceuticals and biotherapeutics.
    • Advancements in regenerative medicine.
    • Bio-based technologies for waste management.
    • Support for multiple start-ups in the biotechnology field.