As their mission approaches its close, the Ax-4 crew is resolute. Their space lab orbiting above is a cauldron of science, innovation, and education. Every day on the International Space Station is filled with new advances.
Shukla Pushes Research on Plants and Health
Commander Peggy Whitson is still spearheading daily research. Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla handled several plant-based experiments. He took images of sprouting seeds in petri dishes. These were placed in the minus eighty-degree freezer. The experiment studies how microgravity affects early plant growth. Once back on Earth, seeds will be cultivated again. Scientists aim to analyse genetic shifts and nutrition.
Shukla also worked with microalgae to test its uses. Researchers are studying algae’s role in producing oxygen and food. They also explore its potential for biofuel production. These features make it ideal for long missions in space.
In another project, Shukla documented crop seeds for future planting. Scientists will monitor six seed varieties over generations. The goal is to identify hardy traits for space farming.
Crew Studies Eyes, Muscles, Radiation, and Mental Health
The Voyager Displays study continued during the week. It looks at how eye movement and targeting during spaceflight are affected. Information could make interface design better for astronauts.
All crew members participated in the AstroMentalHealth study. It investigates mental health in space. Findings may enable remote mental health care on Earth. The team also experimented with neuromuscular stimulation methods.
These help counter muscle loss in weightless conditions. Mild electrical pulses keep muscles strong over long missions.
Shukla joined the Suit Fabric Study as well. It looks at how heat transfers in microgravity. The study tests clothing responses during exercise. The goal is to improve future spacesuit design.
Medical data was collected for the Telemetric Health AI project. The study blends biosensor data with artificial intelligence. Scientists hope to build predictive health tools from orbit readings.
Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu supported the IMU-DRS study. He compared smartphone sensor readings during space flight with terrestrial models. This enables scientists to monitor sensor drift and spatial movement.
Crew members also recorded readings using the Rad Nano Dosimeter. The instrument measures radiation levels in real time. Measurements will aid in developing improved shielding for astronauts.
Lastly, the Acquired Equivalence Test tested cognitive responses. It calibrated how astronauts adjust to changed visual patterns. The test probes changes in learning and memory in space.
Students Talk with Astronauts on Board
The Ax-4 crew members also had contact with individuals at home. All four astronauts had conversations with Axiom's chief scientist, Dr. Lucie Low. They exchanged information regarding their work and research.
Mission Specialist Sławosz "Suave" Uznański-Wiśniewski presided over a special event. He addressed 300 Polish students live. He discussed life in orbit and his flight to space. The session featured a STEM demonstration to motivate students.
With only days to go, the Ax-4 crew keeps pushing. Every test, photo, and session contributes to the mission legacy. The homestretch holds more discoveries to come.
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