Sudhanshu Shukla’s space agriculture experiments are set to make history. On June 8, 2025, this Indian Air Force Group Captain will blast off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission-4, a collaboration between NASA, ISRO, and ESA. His mission? To grow moong (green gram) and fenugreek (methi) seeds in microgravity, a bold step toward sustainable food for long space journeys. This isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about seeding India’s future in space exploration, from the Gaganyaan mission to a lunar landing by 2047. Sudhanshu Shukla’s space agriculture work could redefine how we feed astronauts and even improve farming back home.
A Historic Journey to the ISS
Sudhanshu Shukla, a test pilot with 2,000 hours of flight experience, is no stranger to high-stakes missions. Born in Lucknow and trained at the National Defence Academy, he’s one of four astronauts selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program. Now, as the pilot for Axiom-4, he’ll join astronauts from the USA, Poland, and Hungary for a 14-day stint on the ISS. Their launch, delayed from May 29 to June 8 due to scheduling adjustments, will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Shukla’s seven experiments, including the sprouting of moong and fenugreek, are India’s ticket to the global space research stage.
The choice of moong and fenugreek isn’t random. These staples of Indian cuisine are packed with protein, fiber, and medicinal properties, making them ideal for space diets. “We’re sprouting seeds believed to have health benefits,” says Tushar Phadnis, ISRO’s Group Head for Microgravity Platforms, in a press conference. The goal is to see how these plants behave without gravity, a critical step for feeding astronauts on missions to Mars or beyond.
The Science of Space Sprouts
Sudhanshu Shukla’s space agriculture experiments are about more than growing greens. On the ISS, he’ll test how moong and fenugreek germinate in microgravity, where there’s no “up” or “down.” Will the seeds sprout normally? Will their nutrient content hold up? These are the questions driving the research, led by the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology and Kerala Agricultural University. The setup involves hydroponic systems, carefully monitoring water and light to mimic Earth’s conditions.
Once the plants return, scientists will dive deeper. They’ll study multiple generations of these space-grown crops, checking for genetic changes, microbial interactions, and nutritional shifts. “The idea is to see how these India-specific sprouts behave back on Earth,” Phadnis explains. This could unlock traits that make crops more resilient, benefiting farmers facing climate challenges. Posts on X are buzzing, with users calling it “India’s green leap into space.”
Why Space Agriculture Matters
Growing food in space is a game-changer. Long missions, like those to Mars, can’t rely on Earth’s resupply missions, which cost millions and take months. Fresh food boosts astronauts’ health and morale, reducing dependence on packaged meals. Moong and fenugreek, with their quick growth and high nutrition, are perfect candidates. Success here could pave the way for self-sustaining space habitats, a key goal for ISRO’s planned space station by 2035.
Sudhanshu Shukla’s space agriculture work also has Earthly perks. Insights from microgravity could lead to hardier crops, vital as droughts and floods threaten global food security. India, the world’s largest pulse producer, could see moong yields rise if space-derived traits are applied. The experiment ties into India’s millet push, echoing stories like Raimati Ghuria’s millet preservation, showing how traditional crops fuel innovation.
Challenges and Global Teamwork
Microgravity isn’t kind to plants. Without gravity, water behaves oddly, and roots grow in all directions. Shukla’s team will use specialized kits to control conditions, but surprises are possible. The 14-day mission limits growth time, so the focus is on sprouting and early development. Back on Earth, labs like the International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology will analyze results, ensuring rigorous data.
Axiom-4’s multinational crew—led by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson—highlights global cooperation. With 60 experiments from 31 countries, the mission is a melting pot of ideas. Shukla’s work, backed by ISRO’s precision, puts India at the forefront. His training, from Moscow to SpaceX’s California labs, shows the rigor behind this leap.
Lessons for the Future
Sudhanshu Shukla’s space agriculture mission offers a blueprint for dreamers. For students, it’s a call to explore STEM—space needs botanists as much as pilots. For farmers, it’s a reminder that ancient crops like moong can shape the future. If you’re curious, check out ISRO’s website for updates or try sprouting moong at home to feel the thrill of growth.
A Seed for India’s Space Dreams
Sudhanshu Shukla’s space agriculture experiments are planting seeds—literally and figuratively. As he tends to moong and fenugreek 400 kilometers above Earth, he’s sowing hope for sustainable space travel and resilient farming. This mission, launching June 8, 2025, isn’t just India’s return to human spaceflight after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 trip—it’s a bold step toward a future where Indians dine on homegrown sprouts among the stars. Here’s to Shukla, carrying India’s green dreams into orbit.