It was a historic moment for Amity Universe as it launched its first Biological Payload from India into space by ISRO through PSLV C60 Spadex Mission, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, ISRO, Sriharikota, on Monday night. This was part of POEM-4 and the payload is Callus of Spinach (Spinacia Oleracia).

According to a statement from the university, the colour changes and the lateral growth will be studied through onboard cameras and sensors. “This experiment is a first step towards space grown food which will be helpful in future for manned missions and Bhartiya Antariksh Station. This important scientific research is headed by Dr. A. W. Santhosh Kumar, Dr. Sneha Gokani, Dr. R. Selvakumaran and Dr. Ravi Shankar from Amity University,” the statement said.

Before the Gaganaut is placed in space, this biological payload will study the effect of microgravity of growth and morphology of plant Callus. To support human exploration in space, we need to provide fresh food as well and hence cultivation of plant needs to be addressed through a series of experiments.

Sharing his views, Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President of Amity Education Group, remarked that this historic launch signifies Amity University's unwavering commitment to scientific innovation and its contribution to make India, a Viksit Bharat.

“The launch underscores the role of academic institutions in addressing challenges related to space exploration and ensuring the success of future space missions.”, said Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President, Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation (ASTIF).

Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS) is a cutting-edge experimental module designed to monitor how plants adapt to space conditions, such as gravitational stress, and regulate their growth direction in response to stimuli like gravity and light. It aims to explore the potential for food and nutrition sustainability during prolonged space missions.