What is there in deep space?
Akilesh Chandrasekaran, a Class XII student, has been selected for NASA's Cubes in Space program to test if bacteria can generate electricity on Mars. His project aims to contribute to the sustainability of future human missions to the planet.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing role of student-led research in international space exploration and scientific innovation.
What is there in deep space? Wondered Akilesh Chandrasekaran when he was in his fifth standard? Now, a Class XII student, Akilesh Chandrasekaran of Sivakasi Nadar Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Madurai, has proved through a Martian regolith analogue that cultured bacteria can generate electricity on Mars.
This project of his was selected for the prestigious Cubes in Space™ 2026 programme, an international student research programme conducted by iEDU inc. and supported by, NASA Wallops Flight Facility/Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility and leading organisations in the United States.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in