HIGHLIGHTS
The crew of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) — Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz “Suave” Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu — wrapped up an action-packed third day aboard the International Space Station, diving deeper into the diverse research studies and global outreach efforts.
RESEARCH
Peggy continued working on the Cancer in LEO investigation by capturing imaging samples that could unlock new insights into how cancer behaves under the unique stressors of microgravity. This research, in collaboration with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, could pave the way for cancer treatments back on Earth — especially for aggressive, metastatic cancers.
She also turned her lens toward creativity, photographing student hardware, science experiments, and artwork for the Saudi Space Agency’s Microgravity Challenge. With over 80,000 submissions from young minds across the Arab region, this competition encouraged innovation in arts, agriculture, and engineering, and aims to ignite a passion for space science.
Shux focused on the space microalgae experiment, deploying sample bags and capturing images of the algae strains. These tiny organisms could play a big role in the future of space exploration, offering a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source for long-duration missions.
The crew also collected data for the Neuro Motion VR project, where astronauts don VR headsets and perform attention-based tasks while their brain activity is monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This research explores how microgravity affects cognitive and motor functions, which could provide valuable insight for future deep space missions.
Data was also gathered for the Telemetric Health AI study, which integrates biometric data with mission analytics to better understand how spaceflight impacts cardiovascular and balance systems. By applying advanced data science techniques, this project could lead to smarter, real-time health monitoring — both on orbit and on Earth.
Suave contributed to the Microfluidic Design experiment, using the Keyence Research Microscope Testbed (KERMIT) imaging to study fluid dynamics in microgravity. The goal of this study is to develop microfluidic devices that can test drug stability and quality — a vital step toward autonomous healthcare in space.
OUTREACH
Tibor had a special moment connecting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Peggy and Suave engaged in a conversation with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low about the ongoing efforts to protect astronauts from space radiation.
And there’s more to come — tomorrow at 11:20 a.m. CT, Tibor will speak live with journalists from Hungary to share his experiences aboard the space station. Don’t miss the chance to tune in and hear firsthand what life is like on orbit.
Additionally, Peggy and Tibor will join together to record the first mission update on how the crew has settled into life on the space station and what efforts are currently underway.
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