Ax-4 to Set Record for Most Research Activities Conducted During Axiom Space Mission

Axiom Space revealed today new details about the scientific research and technology demonstrations set to fly on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station no earlier than May 2025.

The Ax-4 research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station to date, underscoring the mission's global significance and collaborative nature to advance microgravity research in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

Unique to this mission, there is a strong focus on scientific portfolios led by countries represented on the Ax-4 mission, to include the U.S., India, Poland in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Hungary. The mission is set to enhance in-country participation in these countries by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This effort aims to showcase the value and opportunities in microgravity research, fostering international collaboration and scientific advancement. The studies will contribute to the global knowledge base in human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences, showcasing the space research capabilities of the crew’s home nations.

In addition, Axiom Space is teaming up with research organizations and academic institutions to delve deeper into the effects of spaceflight on the human body and to explore how space-based research can improve health and medical treatments on Earth. Ax-4 emphasizes the importance of commercial and academic partnerships, as Axiom Space leads the creation of a global research community and sustainable economic ecosystem in LEO. This mission also lays the groundwork for Axiom Station, the first commercial space station, which will offer a permanent platform for research, manufacturing, and human spaceflight.

The Ax-4 crewmembers are Commander Peggy Whitson of the U.S., Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India, Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański- Wiśniewski of ESA/Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-4 crew aboard a Dragon spacecraft to the space station no earlier than May 2025 in Florida.‍

‍
RESEARCH OVERVIEW 

AXIOM SPACE

Axiom Space is leading a diverse array of research initiatives to advance scientific understanding of microgravity’s effects and better understand astronaut health and performance during space missions. These projects cover a wide range of topics, including medical support for diabetic astronauts, the effects of microgravity on the brain and body, and the collection of vital health data.The research also delves into the impact of space travel on joints, blood flow, stem cells, cancer growth, and radiation exposure. By addressing these critical areas, Axiom Space aims to enhance the overall well-being and readiness of astronauts for future missions and translate findings into benefits for Earth-based research.

Research studies will focus on:

• Researching how to support astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes during short-duration missions in microgravity.
• Examining microgravity's impact on the brain and cognitive risks.
• Collecting physiological and psychological data from astronauts to understand how humans adapt to space.
• Studying the effects of short spaceflights on joints and blood flow.
• Assessing astronaut ‘readiness’ using a wearable device, iPhone software, and AWS Snowcone analytics.
• Developing infrastructure for wearable device data processing during the Ax-4 mission.
• Investigating cancer growth in space, focusing on triple-negative breast cancer.
• Understanding the effects on blood stem cells during spaceflight.‍

INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION (ISRO)

The ISRO-led research, in collaboration with NASA and ESA, focuses on advancing microgravity research aboard the International Space Station to enhance our understanding of biological processes in microgravity and develop strategies for long-duration space missions. The scientific experiments are set to drive significant advancements in space science and technology, while also inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. Ax-4 strengthens India's presence in space and promotes the country's dedication to contributing to global scientific progress.

Research studies will focus on:

• Investigating physical and cognitive impact of computer screens in microgravity.
• Studying growth, metabolism, and genetics of three microalgae strains in microgravity vs. ground.
• Comparing growth, cellular responses, and biochemistry of two cyanobacteria strains in microgravity.
• Identifying pathways of skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity and exploring therapies.
• Examining spaceflight impacts on six crop seed varieties.
• Investigating the impacts of spaceflight on germination and growth of crop seeds.
• Identifying molecular mechanisms of resilience in extreme environments.‍

‍EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)/POLAND RESEARCH

Supported by the Polish government and ESA, Ax-4 features comprehensive scientific research and technology demonstrations. The research focuses on various experiments the Polish space industry proposed and developed under ESA's guidance. These experiments aim to advance our understanding of space-related challenges and contribute to future space exploration efforts. The Ax-4 mission represents a significant step forward for Poland's space ambitions and highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing space science.

Research studies will focus on:

•  Studying astronauts' mental and behavioral health on the International Space Station.
• Monitoring bone loss upon re-entry after space missions.
• Examining bone markers to predict recovery behavior.
• Evaluating neurofeedback for stress reduction and performance.
• Investigating gut microbiome changes during short-term space stays.
• Examining immune cell adaptation to microgravity.
• Monitoring astronauts' soft tissue health during missions.
• Exploring muscle electrical stimulation to protect muscle mass in microgravity.
• Using brain imaging technology to develop a human-computer interface in microgravity.
• Testing methods to extend pharmaceutical shelf-life in space.
• Testing an acoustic monitor on the International Space Station.
• Advancing onboard data processing for space and Earth applications.
• Measuring space radiation levels with a monitor in the Columbus module.
• Assessing six wearable biomonitor devices for function and stability in space.
• Investigating red microalgae for long-duration space missions.
• Investigating a tardigrade gene in yeast for microgravity protection.

HUGARIAN TO ORBIT (HUNOR) PROGRAM RESEARCH

The HUNOR research on the Ax-4 mission encompasses a range of scientific experiments designed to enhance our knowledge of space and its impacts on humans and materials. These studies aim to provide valuable insights for space exploration and potential Earth-based applications.

Research studies will focus on:

• Examining how space conditions affect human bacterial, viral, and fungal microbiomes.
• Investigating microgravity's effect on cognitive function and motor skills.
• Demonstrating application of nanofibrous eye inserts in microgravity.
• Examining low-melting point metal behavior for next-generation ion-jet propulsion systems.
• Monitoring crew radiation exposure and environmental conditions with a personal dosimetry device.
• Mimicking planet-scale atmospheric dynamics with a novel way of spinning a water sphere in microgravity.
• Investigating how fruit flies fight radiation-induced DNA damage with enhanced biochemical processes.
• Studying plant germination, microgreen production, and leaf development.
• Examining microfluidic drug testing chips in space.
• Studying associative learning and visual processing in space.
• Examining changes in cardiovascular and balancing systems.
• Understanding cerebral blood flow adaptation to spaceflight.
• Validating clothing heat transfer simulation in different gravity environments for improved astronaut thermal comfort.
• Testing precise position tracking with standard inertial sensors in space.
• Exploring spaceflight effects on 3D printed materials.
• Studying upper atmospheric thunderstorms.
• Demonstrating gravitational curiosities during a joint physics class with students from across Hungary.

Find more information on Ax-4 research here.

‍