Shubhanshu Shukla Pioneers Scientific Research on ISS as First Indian in Axiom-4 Mission

The Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) team, comprised of commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, successfully concluded their third day of operations on the International Space Station (ISS). The mission focused on accelerating scientific research and global outreach. Peggy Whitson continued her study on cancer in low Earth orbit, collecting imaging samples to understand cancer behavior in microgravity. This research, in collaboration with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, aims to provide insights for treating aggressive cancers on Earth. She also oversaw student projects and experiments from the Saudi Space Agency’s Microgravity Challenge, a competition that engaged over 80,000 students. Shubhanshu Shukla worked on the Space Microalgae experiment, studying algae species as potential food sources for future long-duration missions. The team also participated in the Neuro Motion VR study, using virtual reality headsets to monitor brain activity and understand the effects of microgravity. Additionally, they collected data for the Telemetric Health AI project, examining the impact of space travel on the cardiovascular system and balance. Svab Uznansky-Wisniewski studied fluid behavior in microgravity with the KERMIT imaging tool for the Microfluidic Design experiment, which aims to develop equipment for automated drug testing in space. Tibor Kapu held a virtual conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as part of the mission’s global outreach efforts. Peggy and Swaav discussed radiation safety with Dr. Lucie Lo of Axiom Space. Tibor will also engage with Hungarian journalists. The mission activities began after the successful docking of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The launch took place on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.