Shukla conducts key space experiments aboard the ISS

As part of a groundbreaking collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and NASA, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a key member of the Axiom-4 space mission, is conducting a series of life sciences experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, alongside three fellow astronauts, entered the ISS on June 26, marking a significant milestone in Indo-U.S. space cooperation.

The experiments, focused on understanding the physiological and psychological impacts of spaceflight, include studies on muscle degeneration in microgravity, human digestion in space, and the mental well-being of astronauts during extended missions, according to Indian news agencies.

According to a statement released by Axiom Space, Shukla — whose call sign is ‘Shux’ — carried out complex procedures inside the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) to support a myogenesis study.

This research aims to investigate the mechanisms of muscle loss experienced in microgravity environments, a condition that poses one of the most significant health challenges for astronauts on long-duration missions.

The study is expected to yield valuable data on how the absence of gravity affects muscle formation and deterioration, which could have applications not only in space medicine but also in understanding muscular disorders on Earth.

In addition to muscle loss, the mission includes experiments on digestion processes in space—critical for designing long-term food and nutrition strategies for astronauts—and an assessment of psychological health to better manage the mental demands of space travel.

Shukla’s involvement in this mission highlights India’s growing role in international space exploration efforts and represents a major stride in ISRO’s human spaceflight program.