India’s Gaganyaan Mission to study kidney stones in space

February 17, 2025 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

India is making impressive strides in space exploration, with its upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send astronauts into space.

Prior to this ambitious mission, scientists will send 20 fruit flies as part of a groundbreaking experiment.

These small organisms, sharing 77% of their genes with humans, provide an excellent model for studying biological effects in space.

The experiment is being led by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram.

The focus of the study is to examine the formation of kidney stones in microgravity. Space travel introduces numerous health risks, such as bone loss, urinary problems, and dehydration, which can elevate the likelihood of kidney stone formation in astronauts.

By studying fruit flies in space, scientists hope to identify ways to prevent such health issues for astronauts.

While using fruit flies may seem unusual, their genetic similarity to humans makes them ideal subjects for this research.

The findings from this experiment could have significant implications not only for India’s space missions but also for global space exploration.

The selection process for this experiment was highly competitive, with 75 agricultural universities from across India vying for a chance to participate.

Ultimately, UAS-Dharwad’s proposal was chosen, marking a potential breakthrough in space medicine and astronaut health during extended missions.

The Gaganyaan mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will send three astronauts on a three-day journey 400 km above Earth.

They will safely return, landing in the Indian Ocean. Though the exact launch date remains uncertain, the mission is expected to take place within the next two years, provided everything progresses as planned.

This experiment will play a crucial role in preparing astronauts for long-duration space travel, helping them stay healthier and safer in space. Furthermore, it highlights India’s growing influence in the global space research community.

In this way, it emphasizes that the Gaganyaan mission is not only about reaching space but also about pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and innovation.

Image Credit: Truckjunction, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons