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India Today
3 days ago
- Science
- India Today
These pictures show India's Shubhanshu Shukla is loving it in space
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew has crossed the halfway mark of their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), intensifying efforts to unravel the mysteries of life in microgravity and pave the way for future deep-space Pilot Shubhanshu 'Shux' Shukla is at the forefront of research into how microgravity accelerates muscle atrophy. Latest pictures show how he is enjoying his stay in zero gravity while working on the science sent from performing advanced microscopy and collecting cellular samples for the ongoing myogenesis study, Shux is helping scientists understand why muscle tissue deteriorates so rapidly in space. The Ax-4 crew is also contributing to the Wireless Acoustics project. (Photo: Axiom) Insights from this work are crucial for developing interventions to protect astronaut health during long-duration missions, such as those planned for UNDERWAYShux has also redeployed a culture bag for the Space Micro Algae experiment. Microalgae are being studied for their remarkable potential to support life beyond Earth—they can generate food, oxygen, and even in cultivating microalgae aboard the ISS could make them indispensable for future lunar and Martian outposts, providing sustainable life support and resource recycling. Ax-4 Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla carries out operations for the myogenesis study in the Life Sciences Glovebox aboard the International Space Station. (Photo: Axiom) The Ax-4 team, including Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Specialists Sawosz 'Suave' Uznaski-Winiewski, and Tibor Kapu, has maintained a relentless pace of scientific activity:Tibor Kapu observed the Fruit Fly DNA Repair study, which examines how space radiation affects genetic integrity. Shubhanshu Shukla looking out of the cupola of the Space Station. (Photo: Axiom Space) By analysing how fruit fly DNA responds to the harsh conditions of orbit, researchers hope to develop strategies to shield human DNA from similar dangers during interplanetary crew contributed to the Wireless Acoustics project, evaluating a wearable acoustic monitor that measures sound levels throughout the station. This device is being assessed for comfort and accuracy, with its readings compared to those from traditional fixed sound meters. Shux testing his photography skills in space. (Photo: Axiom) Axiom added that a crewmember underwent an ultrasound scan as part of a project tracking cardiovascular and balance system changes. This study aims to enable real-time, AI-driven health monitoring for astronauts, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare both in space and on the Ax-4 mission progresses, the crew's dedication to research, technology demonstrations, and outreach continues to expand humanity's understanding of living and thriving beyond our home planet.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4: Bengaluru 'water bears' serve their purpose in space
Pics credit: Axiom Space He may have witnessed more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets from orbit, but for Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla , the first eight days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been a whirlwind of scientific discovery. While six of the seven Isro-led experiments are underway, tardigrades or 'water bears' that travelled all the way from Bengaluru to the orbital lab some 400 km from Earth, have served their purpose in space. Shux, who kicked off his scientific experiments with Myogenesis — to investigate the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity inside the Life Sciences Glovebox, marked his first week in orbit by completing the study on tardigrades or 'water bears'. 'Shukla has successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving Tardigrades onboard the ISS,' Isro confirmed. The next step would be for the principal investigators to analyse the data obtained from experiments conducted by Shux. The study focused on tardigrades' survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. It will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environments and has potential applications on Earth especially in the area of therapeutics,' Isro confirmed. Bengaluru 'Water Bears' The water bears at ISS were studied in the Voyager Tardigrades experiment designed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Biochemist Sandeep Eswarappa and team at IISc, who spent over five years studying tardigrades, resilient microscopic organisms that have survived five mass extinctions, discovered a Paramacrobiotus species with an astonishing defence: When exposed to lethal ultraviolet radiation, this species absorbs the harmful rays and emits harmless blue fluorescence instead. That was the first direct experimental evidence of photoprotective fluorescence in any organism. And, it is this 'Bengaluru strain' of the tardigrade that has flown to the ISS with Shux. Other experiments Shux's first eight days in orbit as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission have been defined not just by spectacle, but also a series of intricate biological investigations that could transform both future space missions and life on Earth. The Myogenesis study, on the other hand, is progressing with planned interventions and recording of observations as per the experiment protocol. In parallel, other Indian experiments for studying selected strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria under space conditions are ongoing, contributing to research on regenerative life support systems and crew nutrition. 'As part of the Electronic Displays human research study, Shux carried out daily software-based cognitive and interface assessments. The study aims to optimise crew interaction with digital systems in the unique environment of space,' Isro added. A day before the well-deserved 'rest day' upon completing half his stay at the ISS, he had begun documenting the progress of the Cyanobacteria Growth Experiment, another Isro-led study analysing how photosynthetic bacteria behave in space. These tiny organisms could one day form the backbone of life support systems on long-duration missions, recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen and aiding water regeneration. Shux also helped deploy and manage samples for the Space Microalgae investigation — another study with enormous potential. Microalgae, already valued on Earth for their rapid growth and nutritional content, are being cultivated in orbit to observe how microgravity influences their metabolism, genetic activity, and biomass yield. These hardy organisms may serve as future spacefarers' food, fuel, or even pharmaceutical source.
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
What Shubhanshu Shukla is studying at ISS
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla conducted a series of experiments — muscle loss under microgravity, digestion in space, and astronauts' mental well-being — on board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, who is a part of the Axiom-4 space mission as part of a joint ISRO-NASA initiative, stepped into the ISS on June 26 with three other astronauts. Axiom Space, in a statement, said, 'Shux (Shukla's call sign) performed operations in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) for the myogenesis study, which could uncover how microgravity contributes to muscle loss.' 'These insights may also translate to improved treatments for muscle-wasting conditions on Earth, including those linked to ageing and immobility,' they added. A video was also filmed by the Shukla targeted at young Indian students discussing how the digestive system adapts to space. The crew on-board documented activities for the Astronaut Mental Health study, contributing to research on understanding well-being in space. 'This project can benefit others on Earth by developing remote technologies for diagnosing and treating mental disorders, particularly for individuals in isolated or challenging environments where access to mental health care is limited,' Axiom Space said. The crew also participated in an experiment designed to advance brain-computer interface technology using a specialised headset that indirectly monitors neural activity by tracking blood flow. This is a part of the PhotonGrav project, which aims to decode brain signals, paving the way for humans to control computer systems using only their thoughts. 'For future space missions, this kind of interface could streamline how astronauts interact with spacecraft systems, especially in high-stress or hands-free scenarios. Back on Earth, the same technology could advance neurorehabilitation and assistive devices, offering new hope for people with mobility or communication challenges,' Axiom Space said.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Axiom-4: Shubhanshu Shukla starts microgravity research with experiment on skeletal muscle degradation
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has officially begun his scientific mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission . On June 29, 2025, he initiated microgravity research , including a critical experiment on muscle degradation known as Myogenesis. The study, conducted in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG), aims to uncover how skeletal muscles deteriorate in space, a key health concern for astronauts. Shukla's work is part of a broader Indo-international collaboration involving ISRO , NASA , and Axiom Space, marking a significant milestone in India's growing footprint in space-based life sciences research. Studying muscle loss and brain function in space The Myogenesis experiment, proposed by Bengaluru-based Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), is one of seven ISRO-backed microgravity experiments selected for this mission. Using the ISS's Life Sciences Glovebox, Shukla is exploring how muscles degrade in space, a problem that affects astronauts on long-duration missions. By identifying the biological pathways of muscle deterioration, researchers aim to develop therapies for both astronauts and people with muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth. In parallel, the crew began the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, using ultrasound to observe how microgravity impacts blood circulation in the brain, with implications for treating stroke and hypertension. India's growing role in space-based life sciences by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brother Donates Kidney To Save Sister's Life. One Year Later, He Says, I Wish I Never Did It, When This Happens Articles Vally Undo This mission marks a crucial step for India in developing a microgravity research ecosystem. ISRO has supported seven experiments from Indian R&D labs and academic institutions, all of which Shukla will help carry out during his 14-day stay. Alongside these, NASA and ISRO are collaborating on five joint science investigations and two in-orbit STEM demonstrations. Axiom Space reports that the Axiom-4 mission includes about 60 experiments from 31 countries, making it one of the most diverse scientific missions to date. With Shukla's contributions, India is not only participating but helping lead efforts to understand the human body in space.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Shubhanshu Shukla studies muscle stem cells on ISS, films digestion demo for Indian students
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), conducted a series of scientific experiments on Monday focused on muscle health, digestion in space, and astronaut mental well-being. Shubhanshu Shukla (L) used the Kibo lab's Glovebox on ISS to study muscle stem cells in microgravity and recorded a video on space digestion for Indian students. According to NASA, Shukla worked inside the Kibo laboratory's Life Sciences Glovebox to study how muscle stem cells behave in microgravity. He also recorded an educational video for Indian school students explaining how the human digestive system adapts in space. NASA said, "Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla filmed a video targeted to young Indian students discussing how the digestion system adapts to space. Next, Shukla worked in Kibo's Life Science Glovebox checking muscle stem cell cultures to learn how to maintain muscle health in space." The Life Sciences Glovebox is a sealed and sterile workspace aboard the ISS that allows astronauts to safely handle biological samples in microgravity. It is large enough to allow two astronauts to work together and is used for experiments requiring clean conditions. According to NASA, ISRO's experiment, Myogenesis, investigates how muscle cells regenerate in space. Astronauts tend to lose muscle mass during extended missions, partly due to microgravity disrupting the function of mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for energy production. The study involves testing certain metabolic supplements to see if they can improve muscle repair in microgravity. Results from the research may help in developing treatments for age-related muscle loss or muscle-wasting diseases on Earth, in addition to improving astronaut health during long-duration spaceflights. NASA explained the purpose, saying, "Astronauts lose muscle mass and the ability of muscle cells to regenerate during spaceflight, which may be due to microgravity interfering with metabolism in mitochondria, cell structures that produce energy. The Effect of Metabolic Supplements on Muscle Regeneration Under Microgravity (Myogenesis - ISRO) investigation on the Axiom 4 (Ax-4) private astronaut mission uses muscle stem cell cultures to examine the muscle repair process and test chemicals known to support mitochondrial function. Results could lead to interventions that maintain muscle health during long-term space missions and help people on Earth with muscle-related challenges such as age-related muscle loss and muscle-wasting diseases." Other Ax-4 crew members also contributed to scientific research. Mission Commander Peggy Whitson used the Ultrasound 2 device to perform vein scans on Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, to help understand how space affects blood pressure, balance, and vision. According to NASA, the Ultrasound 2 on the International Space Station (ISS) is a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ultrasound system that provides high-resolution ultrasound images of target areas in the human body." Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski tested a brain-computer interface using a special headset developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). He later joined Whitson and Shukla in filming content for an astronaut mental health study. NASA stated, "The Thoughts over Gravity, a Test of Using fNIRS-based Brain, Computer Interface in LEO Conditions (PhotonGrav) investigation verifies the effectiveness of near-infrared technology (fNIRS) in low Earth orbit to record brain activity for constructing brain-computer interfaces (BCI) operated in the microgravity environment." Commenting on the crew's schedule, NASA said, "The Ax-4 private astronauts had a science-packed Monday fulfilling research objectives for their home countries." The Ax-4 mission is taking place alongside the activities of the ISS's regular Expedition 73 crew. While Ax-4 focuses on privately funded science, Expedition 73 astronauts continue to work on NASA- and ESA-backed research related to human health and biology in space. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers conducted muscle stimulation tests using biomedical equipment to examine how muscles react to electrical signals. McClain also completed cognitive tests to study how spaceflight affects brain function. Ayers and fellow astronaut Jonny Kim processed blood samples, including collections from Whitson and Uznanski-Wisniewski, for ESA's Bone on ISS study on space-induced bone loss. JAXA Commander Takuya Onishi collected and stored his own blood and urine samples for long-term health monitoring. He also worked on air quality monitoring inside the Kibo module. Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritskiy trained for the arrival of the "Progress 92" cargo spacecraft and loaded the outgoing "Progress 90" with waste for departure. Another cosmonaut, Kirill Peskov, underwent a 24-hour heart and blood pressure monitoring session and prepared the European robotic arm for upcoming operations. Summarising the week's activities, NASA said, "The seven-member Expedition 73 crew wrapped up a weekend of housecleaning and relaxation, then kicked off Monday with muscle and brain research aboard the International Space Station. Their Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) counterparts worked throughout the weekend and began the week taking a closer look at muscle cells and exploring brain-computer interfaces." On June 26, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to board the International Space Station. The Ax-4 crew includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The mission is expected to last up to 14 days. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module. (ANI)
