Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s trailblazing astronaut, has launched his pioneering research on using bacteria to create bricks from Martian soil simulant. This peer-reviewed paper, published in PLOS One, marks a significant step in India’s deep-space ambitions.
Experiment Details
Shukla’s study, conducted with Indian Institute of Science researchers, tests a robust Bengaluru soil bacterium’s ability to form bricks in perchlorate-rich Martian simulant. The bacteria bind soil particles using Guar gum-like substances, proving viable even in toxic conditions mimicking Mars.
This in-situ resource utilization could enable sustainable habitats on Mars without Earth shipments, slashing mission costs.
India’s Space Momentum
Shukla’s work follows his historic Axiom-4 mission, where he became the first Indian on the ISS in 2025, conducting over 60 experiments including seven from ISRO. His insights now fuel Gaganyaan and future Bharatiya Antariksh Station plans by 2035.
The research underscores India’s forward-thinking space strategy, blending astronaut experience with cutting-edge science for lunar and Martian goals.
