Axiom Mission-4 Crew Advances Scientific Research on ISS

The Axiom Mission-4 crew, including notable astronaut Peggy Whitson, is making significant advancements in scientific research aboard the International Space Station. Their work includes groundbreaking studies on cancer in microgravity, algae as potential food sources for long missions, and innovative mental health assessments using virtual reality. The mission also emphasizes global outreach, with crew members engaging with leaders and students worldwide. This article explores the team's achievements and the implications of their research for future space exploration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2025, 13:54 IST

Mission Progress and Research Highlights

The crew of Axiom Mission-4, including commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu 'Shax' Shukla, and mission specialists Slawosz 'Svav' Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, has successfully completed their third operational day aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Axiom Space reports that the team has made significant strides in scientific research and global outreach during this time.

Peggy Whitson has been conducting research on 'Cancer in Low Earth Orbit,' gathering imaging samples to investigate how cancer behaves in microgravity. This study, in partnership with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, could lead to innovative treatment options for aggressive cancer types on Earth.

Additionally, she set a new record for student projects and experiments as part of the Saudi Space Agency's 'Microgravity Challenge,' which saw participation from over 80,000 students across Arab nations.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been involved in the Space Microalgae experiment, where he installed sample bags and documented algae species that may serve as food sources for future long-duration space missions.

The entire crew has also gathered data for a study titled 'Neuro Motion VR,' where astronauts engage in mental exercises using virtual reality headsets while their brain activity is monitored to assess the impacts of microgravity on mental and physical health.

Under the 'Telemetric Health AI' initiative, the team collected biometric and mission data to analyze the effects of space travel on cardiovascular health and balance.

Svab Uznansky-Wisniewski has been examining fluid behavior in microgravity with the KERMIT imaging tool as part of the 'Microfluidic Design' experiment, aimed at creating automated drug testing equipment for use in space.

Tibor Kapu participated in a virtual discussion with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, contributing to the mission's global outreach. Peggy and Svav also consulted with Dr. Lucie Lo, Axiom Space's Chief Scientist, about radiation safety for astronauts. In the upcoming days, Tibor will engage with Hungarian journalists, and both Peggy and Tibor will provide updates on crew acclimatization and mission progress.

These activities commenced following the successful docking of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which autonomously connected to the Harmony module's space-facing port at 4:05 PM IST on Thursday, ahead of schedule. NASA engineers Anne McLane and Nicole Ayers oversaw the docking process.

On June 25 at noon IST, the crew, including former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA's Slawosz from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.