After a day without work, 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 might result in higher remedy of osteoporosis on Earth.
On the tenth flight day, Shukla additionally participated in an experiment to watch radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which may assist higher shield astronauts on longer-duration area missions away from Earth.
Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is a part of a 14-day mission to the ISS performed by Axiom Space. 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 Space Micro Algae investigation. These tiny organisms might one day help sustain life in space, providing food, fuel, and even breathable air. But first, we need to understand how they grow and adapt in microgravity,” Axiom Space stated in an announcement.
The crew participated within the Bone on ISS experiment, offering perception on how bones deteriorate in area and the way they get better as soon as again on Earth.
By analysing organic markers associated to bone formation, irritation and development, researchers are constructing a digital twin — a digital mannequin that may simulate how an astronaut’s bones reply to spaceflight and restoration, Axiom Space stated.
“This personalised approach could revolutionise astronaut-health screening, allowing mission planners to predict skeletal risks and tailor countermeasures for each individual. Beyond space, the findings may also lead to better treatments for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions here on Earth,” it stated.
In a separate assertion, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated Shukla efficiently accomplished the microgravity experiment involving tardigrades on board the ISS.
“The study focussed on their survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. This study will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environment and has potential applications on Earth, especially in the area of therapeutics,” the ISRO stated.
Shukla and different members of the Axiom-4 mission are scheduled to work together with Axiom Space 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 underneath area situations are ongoing, contributing to analysis on regenerative life-support techniques and crew diet, the ISRO stated.
As a part of the Electronic Displays human-research examine, the Gaganyatri carried out day by day software-based cognitive and interface assessments. The examine goals to optimise crew interplay with digital techniques within the distinctive surroundings of area, the ISRO stated.
