Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, also known as "Shux," has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian citizen to conduct a scientific experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). After arriving at the ISS on May 29 as the pilot for the private Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, Shux has now begun a series of experiments with potentially far-reaching implications.
Shux's mission is not only a personal achievement but also a crucial step for India's space exploration plans. His work on the ISS aligns with the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) objectives for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first indigenous human spaceflight program. The experience gained and the data collected during this mission will be invaluable for future Indian space endeavors.
The first experiment Shux is undertaking is a cutting-edge biology study focused on muscle loss in microgravity. This research, known as Myogenesis, is being conducted inside the Life Sciences Glovebox on the ISS. Myogenesis is the biological process by which muscle tissue forms and regenerates. In the microgravity environment of space, this process is disrupted, leading to muscle atrophy, which is a significant concern for astronauts on long-duration missions. Studies have shown that astronauts can lose up to 30% of their muscle mass during extended spaceflights, despite rigorous exercise regimens.
The Myogenesis experiment aims to investigate the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity. By understanding how microgravity affects muscle development, researchers hope to identify potential interventions to prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts during long space missions. The findings from this study could help develop targeted therapies for astronauts on future Moon or Mars missions and for patients on Earth suffering from muscular degenerative diseases.
In addition to the muscle loss study, Shux is also scheduled to conduct an experiment on the growth of microalgae in microgravity conditions. Microalgae are highly nutritious and could potentially aid food security on Earth if methods can be developed to grow them in larger quantities based on the findings in space. One major advantage of conducting experiments in space is the accelerated pace of biological processes, which enables researchers to obtain results much faster than on Earth.
During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the International Space Station, Shux mentioned that he is studying whether specific supplements can delay muscle loss in microgravity conditions. This research could potentially help develop medicines for muscle degeneration in elderly people on Earth. For the first time, Indian scientists have designed seven unique experiments that Shux has taken to the space station. One of these experiments focuses on stem cells and seeks to test whether specific supplements can prevent or delay muscle loss in the absence of gravity.
Shux is also assisting with 60 special scientific studies representing 31 countries during the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). These studies cover a range of topics, including investigating the physical and cognitive impact of computer screens in microgravity and studying the growth, metabolism, and genetics of microalgae and cyanobacteria strains in microgravity.
Shux's work is part of a broad suite of international experiments underway on Ax-4. The other three members of the crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski, and Tibor Kapu, have also entered into full-time research mode. The Axiom-4 mission is the most research-oriented mission to date, underscoring its global significance and collaborative nature in advancing microgravity research in low Earth orbit.
