Poland is making a powerful stride in microgravity research during Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). The Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology (MRiT) and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) with the support from the European Space Agency (ESA) are poised to deliver valuable insights into how space effects human health.
Imagine living and working on the International Space Station — how would it affect your mind? The AstroMentalHealth project aims to better understand this by exploring the mental and behavioral health of astronauts during space missions. An Ax-4 astronaut will participate in interviews, questionnaires, and video diaries, helping researchers develop personalized support programs for future crews. An analog mission at the Lunares Research Station in Poland will test these procedures, potentially benefiting people on Earth in isolated or challenging environments.
Stress is another significant challenge for astronauts, and the EEG Neurofeedback experiment aims to address this by evaluating neurofeedback sessions designed to reduce stress and enhance performance. Pre-flight and post-flight tests will provide insights into how neurofeedback training impacts astronauts' functions, potentially improving stress management techniques on Earth.
The Human Gut Microbiota study takes a closer look at how short-term stays in low- Earth orbit affect the gut microbiome. By analyzing stool samples collected before, during, and after the mission, researchers aim to understand changes in microbiome composition. These findings could inform dietary or medical treatments for future crews and improve overall gut health management.
Exploring how human immune cells adapt to microgravity, the Immune Multiomics project involves collecting blood samples throughout the mission to analyze molecular changes. This research could enhance our understanding of immune disorders and stress responses, benefiting both space missions and medical knowledge.
Monitoring astronauts' soft tissues during space missions is the focus of the Mollis Textus project. By using AI methods to integrate data and draw medical conclusions, this study aims to aid crew health measures and improve treatments for soft tissue disorders.
Within the scope of technology demonstrations, the PhotonGrav project assesses neural activity data via near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to establish a human-computer interface in microgravity. The outcomes could advance technologies for future missions and biomedical applications on Earth.The Stability of Drugs project tests methods for extending the shelf-life of pharmaceuticals during long-duration space flights, potentially improving drug preservation and storage in space and in other austere environments.
The Wireless Acoustics project evaluates an acoustic monitoring system for measuring sound pressure levels within the International Space Station, aiming to improve spacecraft acoustics design. Meanwhile, the Leopard ISS study installs the Leopard Data Processing Unit (DPU) on the space station to test computational algorithms in real space conditions, advancing onboard data processing for space applications and improving satellite operations.
The Scalable Radiation Monitor (RadMon-on-ISS) project deploys an autonomous radiation monitor inside the International Space Station to measure radiation, enhancing radiation monitoring in various settings on Earth. In material science, the MXene in LEO project demonstrates wearable bio-monitor devices using MXene nanomaterials, potentially aiding chronic disease management on Earth.
Biotechnology will also be explored during the Ax-4 mission. The Space Volcanic Algae project investigates red microalgae for long-duration space missions, analyzing genes responsible for adaptation and metabolism. This research could lead to improved industrial applications on Earth.
Finally, the Yeast Tardigrade Gene project explores whether a tardigrade gene integrated into a yeast genome can protect the yeast from microgravity's negative effects, informing the design of sustainable ecosystems in space.
In addition to Poland’s research, ESA is spearheading three investigations to reshape our understanding of human health in space, ensuring that the knowledge gained in space can improve lives back home. First is the Bone Health project, which tackles the important issue of bone density loss due to microgravity. By examining bone markers and growth factors, scientists aim to develop a digital twin model to predict bone behavior during recovery.
Complementing this effort is the Bone on the ISS experiment, which dives deeper into the effects of microgravity on bone health. Focusing on bone loss and recovery post-spaceflight, this study examines bone markers, inflammation, and growth factors to develop a predictive model for bone behavior during recovery. The insights gained will advance our understanding of bone disorders and improve treatments for conditions like osteoporosis, helping populations prone to bone fragility and immobility.
Similar toPoland’s Mollis Textus project, ESA's Muscle Stimulation study explores neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) asa countermeasure to protect muscle mass in microgravity. This innovative approach could provide valuable insights into muscle and bone health for conditions like osteoporosis and muscle atrophy on Earth, offering hope for improved treatments and better quality of life for many.
The Ax-4 mission represents a significant step forward for Poland's space exploration efforts.By partnering with ESA and leveraging national resources, Poland is making substantial contributions to space research. These experiments not only advance our understanding of space-related challenges but also have the potential to improve life on Earth.
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