The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for a significant milestone with the impending launch of the Gaganyaan mission. Set to send four astronauts into space in 2025, ISRO is not only focusing on human space exploration but also delving into the health challenges faced by individuals in space.
As part of the mission, a group of 10 female flies and 10 male flies belonging to the genus Drosophila melanogaster have been selected to accompany the astronauts. But why these particular flies? The key lies in the striking resemblance of their excretory system to that of humans, with a similarity of 77 percent.
In the space environment, astronauts predominantly consume solid food, leading to issues like vitamin D deficiency and increased calcium production, which can contribute to urinary bladder stone formation. By studying these flies in microgravity conditions, researchers aim to gain valuable insights into the effects of space travel on human health.
The experiment involves feeding the flies a specialized liquid diet rich in sodium, ethyl glycol, and hydroxyprolines, which mimics the conditions that can lead to stone formation in both flies and humans. Upon their return to Earth, the researchers will analyze the stones formed in the flies, paving the way for a better understanding of astronaut health.
Moreover, the opportunity to observe the flies’ offspring during the seven-day space journey opens up possibilities for further research and insights into the impact of space travel on future generations of flies.
To facilitate this groundbreaking study, researchers have developed a custom kit tailored for the flies, with contributions from 75 agricultural universities across the country. The Fruit Fly Habitat, engineered by the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IISST) in Kerala, serves as a crucial component for the experiment after two years of meticulous research and design.
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