Axiom-4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla research bone well being, radiation publicity on ISS

After a time off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday (July 5, 2025) studied how bones react to microgravity situations, an experiment that would result in higher remedy of osteoporosis on Earth.

On the tenth flight day, Shukla additionally participated in an experiment to watch radiation publicity on the Worldwide House Station (ISS), which may assist higher defend astronauts on longer-duration area missions away from Earth.

Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is a part of a 14-day mission to the ISS carried out by Axiom House. Shukla, who has the decision signal “Shux”, is the mission pilot, whereas veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson is the commander of the mission.

Hungarian Tibor Kapu and Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski are mission specialists.

“Shux deployed samples for the House Micro Algae investigation. These tiny organisms may at some point assist maintain life in area, offering meals, gas, and even breathable air. However first, we have to perceive how they develop and adapt in microgravity,” Axiom House stated in a press release.

The crew participated within the Bone on ISS experiment, offering perception on how bones deteriorate in area and the way they get well as soon as again on Earth.

By analysing organic markers associated to bone formation, irritation and progress, researchers are constructing a digital twin — a digital mannequin that may simulate how an astronaut’s bones reply to spaceflight and restoration, Axiom House stated.

“This personalised method may revolutionise astronaut-health screening, permitting mission planners to foretell skeletal dangers and tailor countermeasures for every particular person. Past area, the findings may result in higher remedies for osteoporosis and different bone-related situations right here on Earth,” it stated.

In a separate assertion, the Indian House Analysis Organisation (ISRO) stated Shukla efficiently accomplished the microgravity experiment involving tardigrades on board the ISS.

“The examine focussed on their survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in area. This examine will present invaluable insights into the underlying organic mechanisms resulting in resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity surroundings and has potential purposes on Earth, particularly within the space of therapeutics,” the ISRO stated.

Shukla and different members of the Axiom-4 mission are scheduled to work together with Axiom House chief scientist Lucie Low on Sunday on the progress of the 60 science experiments deliberate for the 14-day sojourn to the orbital laboratory.

Shukla additionally carried out the myogenesis examine, which explores the consequences of microgravity on human muscle regeneration and is progressing with deliberate interventions and recording of observations in accordance with the experiment protocol.

In parallel, different Indian experiments for finding out chosen strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria below area situations are ongoing, contributing to analysis on regenerative life-support programs and crew vitamin, the ISRO stated.

As a part of the Digital Shows human-research examine, the Gaganyatri carried out every day software-based cognitive and interface assessments. The examine goals to optimise crew interplay with digital programs within the distinctive surroundings of area, the ISRO stated.