As India explores new frontiers in science through BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, its focus on advancing both space and marine research offers exciting opportunities. India’s space research sector is poised to revolutionize the country. Futuristic space exploration, focusing on advancements like human spaceflight, satellite technologies, and space resource utilization, offers vast opportunities. Economically, space research can drive growth through the commercialization of satellite technologies, space tourism, and even asteroid mining in the future.
India’s cost-effective launch systems make it a global leader in launching satellites for other nations, contributing to its space economy. However, space exploration presents unique challenges, astronauts often suffer from accelerated bone loss (osteopenia), due to the altered gravity conditions in space. This leads to a faster rate of bone resorption compared to formation, putting astronauts at risk of skeletal issues during long-term missions. Developments in bone tissue engineering, as required for long-duration space missions, could lead to breakthroughs in medical fields like orthopedics, benefiting both space missions and terrestrial healthcare. From an environmental perspective, space research enables advanced monitoring of climate change, deforestation, and natural disasters. Satellites are pivotal in tracking global warming. Additionally, research in space-related environmental technologies like waste management and renewable energy can contribute to Earth’s sustainability. Employment opportunities will expand as the space sector grows. The need for engineers, scientists, technicians, and medical researchers will increase, creating jobs not only in space exploration but also in related fields like biotechnology, material science, and environmental engineering.
India has a vast maritime territory, including a coastline of over 7,500 km. The blue economy offers India a pathway to diversify its economic base and enhance food security, poverty alleviation, and employment generation. Over four million fishermen rely on marine resources for their livelihoods, the fishing and aquaculture sectors are crucial components of this economy. The government has initiated various schemes to boost these sectors, including projects like the Sagarmala Project, which aims to modernize ports and improve coastal connectivity. Marine economy can boost energy security by harnessing offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy, supporting economic growth and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Deep-sea mining presents another avenue for economic expansion. India has begun exploring polymetallic nodules with the potential to generate substantial revenue from the extraction of valuable minerals like copper, nickel, and cobalt. India must prioritize environmental sustainability to protect its rich marine ecosystems. The country faces significant challenges, including marine pollution from industrial effluents, plastic waste, and overfishing. Research on ecological resilience and climate adaptation is important for conserving marine biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts like rising sea levels and ocean acidification.
In conclusion, futuristic space and marine research under BioE3 policy will hold immense potential to drive economic growth and create high-skill employment, making these sectors key pillars for the nation’s future progress. By fostering the blue economy alongside advancements in space technology, India can leverage its vast resources to achieve food security, energy independence, and sustainable development.

Kritika Kuksal

University/College name : National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute