Axiom Mission 4 Flight Day 12: From fruit flies to algae, here's what Shubhanshu Shukla and team are investigating aboard the ISS

Ax-4 Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla takes photos of our home planet inside the cupola. (Image: Axiom Space)

Above the cloud layer and away from home, the Ax-4 crew is busy. Day 12 at the International Space Station, and every task has a story to tell—of science, of innovation, and of international collaboration. While Earth rotates below, Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla and his teammates continue to forge our future in space, one experiment at a time.

Muscle, Algae, and Microscopic Progress
Shukla worked on the myogenesis research, closely looking at how muscle is made weaker by space. He took samples and monitored changes, allowing scientists to discover means of safeguarding astronaut health. He again worked on the Space Micro Algae experiment. These tiny organisms might one day provide food, oxygen, and clean energy during deep-space missions.

Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu focused on the Fruit Fly DNA Repair study. Fruit flies may be small, but their DNA holds clues to keeping humans safe from space radiation. Observing their genetic response could shape future protection strategies for long-term space travel.

The crew also tested a wearable sound monitor under the Wireless Acoustics project. Unlike the fixed sound meters on board, this device gives more flexibility and personal insight. The team compared its readings with existing systems to ensure its effectiveness.

In another study, a crewmember underwent an ultrasound scan as part of the Telemetric Health AI project. The goal is simple but essential: better, faster health monitoring—both in orbit and on Earth.

They also participated in the Acquired Equivalence Test, designed to understand how microgravity affects the brain’s learning ability. The results could offer clues about cognitive flexibility in space.

Back in the lab, the MXene in LEO project looked at nanomaterials that may revolutionise medical wearables. These ultra-thin materials were tested in six sensor prototypes to assess their use in real-time health tracking during missions.

Speaking to the World, From Space
Commander Peggy Whitson and Sławosz “Suave” Uznański-Wiśniewski shared updates during a live session. Suave revealed a personal touch—a favourite food that reminds him of home, adding warmth to the high-tech surroundings.

Tomorrow, Suave will speak with Polish media about his mission, his country's pride, and what Poland hopes to achieve in orbit. The session highlights his contribution to national research goals and his growing role in space exploration.

Later, Commander Whitson will connect with Texas government and aerospace leaders, discussing the role of commercial space and the future of workforce development. Axiom Space aims to keep Texas at the centre of global space efforts, and this conversation underscores that vision.

Twelve days in, the Ax-4 mission is much more than data and samples. It’s about people, purpose, and preparation—for a future that stretches far beyond Earth.