Indian Astronaut Shukla Advances Bone Health, Radiation Studies on ISS
Shukla’s contributions underscore India’s growing role in global space research
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, conducted critical experiments on Saturday, focusing on bone health and radiation exposure, with potential breakthroughs for both space exploration and medical treatments on Earth.
On the mission’s 10th day, Shukla, a 39-year-old Lucknow native and mission pilot with the call sign “Shux,” participated in the Bone on ISS experiment. This study examines how microgravity affects bone deterioration and recovery, using biological markers to create a digital twin—a virtual model to predict skeletal risks for astronauts. Axiom Space noted that the findings could revolutionize astronaut health screening and lead to advanced treatments for osteoporosis and bone-related conditions on Earth.
Shukla also monitored radiation exposure on the ISS, an experiment vital for protecting astronauts on long-duration missions beyond low-Earth orbit. Additionally, he deployed samples for the Space Micro Algae investigation, exploring how these organisms adapt in microgravity to potentially provide food, fuel, and oxygen for future space missions.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that Shukla completed a microgravity experiment on tardigrades, studying their survival and reproduction in space. This research could uncover biological mechanisms for resilience in extreme environments, with applications in therapeutics. Other Indian experiments, including studies on microalgae and cyanobacteria, are advancing knowledge on regenerative life-support systems and crew nutrition.
Shukla, alongside mission commander Peggy Whitson and specialists Tibor Kapu (Hungary) and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), also conducted the myogenesis study on muscle regeneration and the Electronic Displays study to optimize crew-digital system interactions. The Axiom-4 crew, managing 60 experiments during their 14-day ISS mission, will discuss progress with Axiom’s chief scientist Lucie Low on Sunday.
Shukla’s contributions, blending cutting-edge science with practical applications, underscore India’s growing role in global space research, with implications for both cosmic exploration and terrestrial health advancements.
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