ISRO Opens New Frontier for Indian Space Research with IMEx-2026 Programme
In a significant move to advance India's space science capabilities, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the Indian Microgravity Experiments programme, IMEx-2026. This initiative creates a fresh pathway for Indian scientists to conduct space-based research by leveraging the country's upcoming human spaceflight missions.
Transforming Crewed Missions into Research Platforms
The programme represents a strategic shift in how India approaches human space exploration. Rather than treating crewed missions solely as technology demonstrations, ISRO aims to transform them into active research platforms. The space agency's Announcement of Opportunity specifically calls for proposals that can fly on short-duration human spaceflight missions under the Gaganyaan programme and, subsequently, aboard the proposed Bhartiya Antriksh Station in low Earth orbit.
Broad Scientific Scope Across Multiple Disciplines
IMEx-2026 encompasses a remarkably diverse range of scientific domains, inviting proposals that utilize the unique microgravity environment where physical, chemical, and biological processes behave fundamentally differently than on Earth. The programme covers:
- Materials science and in-space manufacturing
- Space biology, biotechnology, and agriculture
- Pharmacology and advanced drug research
- Fluid physics and thermal transport studies
- Combustion science and fire safety research
Eligibility and Selection Process
The programme welcomes proposals from Principal Investigators representing government-recognized academic institutions, national research laboratories, Indian startups, and industry partners. ISRO has established a rigorous, phased selection approach:
- Researchers must first demonstrate experiment feasibility using laboratory-scale models developed with their own institutional resources
- Proposals showing scientific merit and readiness may receive support for testing on terrestrial microgravity platforms
- Only a limited number of experiments will progress to actual flight opportunities in low Earth orbit, subject to comprehensive safety reviews, platform constraints, and expected scientific outcomes
ISRO Support and Collaboration Framework
ISRO has committed substantial support for selected projects, providing mentoring, technical inputs, and engineering coordination throughout the programme. Collaborations will be formalized through Memoranda of Understanding with the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ensuring structured implementation and resource allocation.
Timeline and Future Opportunities
Proposals submitted by February 28 will be considered for the current cycle, offering Indian researchers a direct pathway to participate in the nation's human spaceflight ambitions through microgravity research. Successful experiments could eventually fly on ISRO-enabled missions, including those linked to the Bhartiya Antriksh Station, potentially contributing to India's long-term presence in space.
This initiative positions India's scientific community at the forefront of space-based research, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and discovery in the unique environment of microgravity.
