Axiom-4 Crew Completes Final Research Before Return
As their time in orbit draws to a close, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew is spending its final days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in a flurry of scientific activity. Led by Commander Peggy Whitson, the team, including Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, is completing a wide range of experiments before their scheduled undocking on Monday, July 14.
A Packed Scientific Finale
The crew's final research agenda has been diverse, spanning biology, neuroscience, and astronaut health. Key experiments have included:
- Life Support Systems: Continuing work with microalgae samples that could one day provide food and oxygen on deep-space missions.
- Human Health: Using virtual reality to study how microgravity affects brain function, focus, and motion control.
- Genetics and Farming: Studying the impact of radiation on fruit fly DNA and harvesting plants to improve astronaut diets and sustainable farming on Earth.
These studies are designed to provide critical data for future spaceflight and offer benefits for life on our own planet.
Connecting with Earth
In addition to their research, the crew is also focused on public engagement. They are scheduled to participate in an interview with CNN International on Monday, where they will share insights into their life on the ISS and the mission's broader objectives.
The Ax-4 mission has successfully demonstrated the value of commercial spaceflight in advancing bold scientific research. As they prepare to return to Earth, their work has laid the groundwork for new discoveries and the future of human exploration beyond our world.
