Axiom-4 mission: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla commences research activities aboard ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has commenced research activities at the orbiting laboratory
According to Axiom Space the crew members are fully immersed in their mission aboard the ISS having transitioned smoothly from arrival protocols to hands-on research.
Axiom Space said that Shux (Group Captain Shukla mission call sign) spent time in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) working on the Myogenesis experiment.
'This study aims to uncover the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in space—a major challenge for astronauts. By identifying these mechanisms, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that could not only protect space travelers but also aid people suffering from muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth,' Axion Space said.
ISRO has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian (PIs) from various national R&D laboratories and academic institutions which Group Captain Shukla would be conducting during his 14-day stay at the ISS.
Myogenesis is one of the them which has been proposed by the Bengaluru based Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem).
ISRO has said the experience gained through this effort in implementation of the seven experiments is expected to nurture a microgravity research ecosystem in India resulting in the induction of advanced microgravity experiments in various disciplines in the Indian space programme.
In addition to the seven experiments ISRO and NASA will also be participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) demonstrations.
Axiom said that the crew initiated the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, completing the first session after installing the necessary software.
'Using ultrasound technology, this research explores how blood circulates in the brain under microgravity conditions. The findings could improve our understanding of cardiovascular adaptation in space and inform medical diagnostics and treatments for conditions like stroke and hypertension on Earth,' it said.
The Axiom-4 mission research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.
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