Shubhanshu Shukla and other Ax-4 astronauts conduct microgravity research and global outreach on ISS

Shubhanshu Shukla and Other Ax-4 Astronauts Conduct Microgravity Research (Image: ISRO Spaceflight)

It has been a busy few days aboard the ISS. The crew of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) continues their scientific and outreach work in orbit. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s newest space hero, is part of this historic mission.

The four astronauts arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on 26 June. They launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft docked ahead of schedule at 4:05 pm IST with NASA’s Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitoring the approach.

Science in Microgravity

Commander Peggy Whitson led research on the Cancer in LEO study. This experiment investigates the behaviour of cancer cells in microgravity. The project, in collaboration with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, has the potential to produce future cancer treatments on Earth.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was involved in the space microalgae experiment. He installed sample bags and took photos of algae strains. These may be used as food sources for next-generation, long-duration space missions.

The team also worked on the Neuro Motion VR project. The team members wore VR headsets and performed tasks under observation of brain activity. This is to learn how space influences mental and motor abilities.

Data were also gathered for the Telemetric Health AI project. This study examines the effects of spaceflight on cardiovascular health and balance through biometric monitoring.

Innovations and Global Outreach

Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski operated the Microfluidic Design experiment. He employed KERMIT imaging to examine fluid behaviour in microgravity. The results could be used to develop devices for drug tests in space on autopilot.

Hungarian Tibor Kapu conducted a virtual session with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He also intends to discuss his flight with Hungarian journalists.

In the meantime, Whitson and Uznanski also talked with Axiom's Chief Scientist, Dr Lucie Low, about astronaut radiation protection. The astronauts are also putting together the first mission update video to share their adaptation and progress.

A Mission of Many Firsts

This mission is more than a milestone. Shukla is the first Indian to board the ISS and the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. It also hosted the first Polish and Hungarian astronauts on board.

The crew of Ax-4 will continue research and educational outreach for 14 days. Their efforts are designed to provide benefits to both future spaceflight and life on Earth.