India to Conduct First-Ever Space Habitat Experiment; Astronaut Sunita Williams to Play Key Role

 

In a major step toward developing long-term space habitation, India is set to conduct its first scientific experiment related to human housing in space. The experiment will take place aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with astronaut Sunita Williams as a key participant.

 

According to Dr. Mayank Vats of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this marks a significant development for India’s ambitions in space exploration. As part of the NASA-led Axiom-4 mission, the experiment aims to understand how human living conditions can be sustained in outer space over extended periods.

 

Sunita Williams will launch on June 8 aboard a SpaceX spacecraft as part of the Ax-4 crew. The Indian housing experiment is one of the missions assigned to her during her time on the ISS. The goal is to assess how different housing models and arrangements perform in zero-gravity and high-radiation environments—critical knowledge for future space stations and lunar/Martian colonies.

 

This will be India’s first-ever participation in such an experiment at the ISS level, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in international space research. Sunita Williams, an Indian-origin astronaut, has already made history with her spacewalk records and now continues to inspire millions by contributing to India's scientific ambitions.

 

ISRO stated that this experiment would provide vital data to help India prepare for its upcoming space missions and the eventual development of an Indian space station.