#320: ISRO's payloads onboard Axiom-4

Read the AIM closely than just the names

Enlisted all ISRO payloads on AXIOM-4

1. VOYAGER DISPLAYS

• Investigate physical and cognitive impact of using computer screens in microgravity

• Purpose: To inform future spacecraft computer design

2. VOYAGER TARDIGRADES (see image to know what's Tardigrade)

• Examine revival of dormant tardigrades, count eggs laid & hatched, compare gene expression patterns of space-flown v/s ground control populations

• Aim: to identify molecular mechanisms of tolerance for understanding life environment in extreme environments

3. CROP SEEDS ON ISS

• Aim: To investigate impacts of spaceflights on six varieties of crop seeds

• Post mission, seeds to be grown for diff generations & plants w/ preferred traits will be genetically analyzed

4. CYANOBACTERIA ON ISS

• Aim: To compare strains of cyanobacteria, aquatic bacteria that can photosynthesise, to understand growth rates, cellular responses & biochemical activity in microgravity

5. MYCOGENESIS

• Aim:

- To identify causes of skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity & explore therapeutic targeting strategies

- To pinpoint specific molecular mechanisms & potential interventions

6. STEAM OUTREACH

• Aim: 4 STEM outreach activities by ISRO for the students

7. SPROUTS

• To study impact of spaceflight on germination & growth of the crop seeds

• Aim: Understand how crops may be grown in space for future exploration missions

8. SPACE MICROALGAE

• Aim: To investigate effects of microgravity on growth, metabolism, and genetic activity on three strains of microalgae.

• Microalgae

- Microscopic photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic environments (being studied by ISRO in Axiom-4)

- Applications: Potential source of food, fuel, oxygen as well as use-case in wastewater treatment & carbon sequestration