Axiom Mission-4 Research Failed?

Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) is a commercial crewed mission to the International Space Station, launched on June 25, 2025, by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and SpaceX. It is the fourth in a series of missions aimed at transitioning from the ISS to the world’s first commercial space station, Axiom Station, and conducting cutting-edge scientific research in microgravity.

Main Scientific Objectives

• Diabetes & Glucose MonitoringTo investigate the effects of microgravity on glucose levels and insulin delivery systems, the crew will test insulin pens and wear continuous glucose monitors. This could open the door for better glucose monitoring systems on Earth as well as for diabetics to travel to space.

• Indian‑led Microgravity BiologyIndia's first commercial astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, will carry out seven experiments created by teams connected to ISRO, including investigations into: 1. Microgravity cultivation of Indian staples, including cyanobacteria, sprouts, microalgae, moong daal, and fenugreek (methi). 2. The impact of metabolic supplements on myogenesis, or muscle regeneration. 3. Gene expression, reproduction, and survival of tardigrades. 4. Effects on cognition and movement when using screens in microgravity.

• International Science PortfolioThe mission includes more than 60 experiments from 31 countries in areas such as Earth observation, materials science, artificial intelligence, and human-tech interactions.

• Health & Human Physiology StudiesResearch focuses on eye-hand coordination while using screens, vocal changes in microgravity, and ultrasonography evaluation of joints.

  Microgravity Experiments

  1. Muscle Regeneration (Myogenesis)

     • Focus: Study how human muscle stem cells behave without gravity.

     • Objective: Understand and prevent muscle wasting in astronauts.

     • Microgravity Factor: In space, muscles weaken quickly. This research tested whether metabolic supplements can help maintain or restore muscle tissue.

  2. Seed Germination (Methi & Moong)

     • Focus: Grow Indian food staples like moong dal and methi in space.

     • Objective: Observe changes in genetics, nutrition, and seed growth.

     • Microgravity Factor: Gravity plays a key role in root-shoot orientation and nutrient transport. Studying plants in space helps develop farming for long-duration missions.

       Methi and Moong seed germination.

  3. Microalgae Cultivation

     • Focus: Grow nutrient-rich algae in space, such as spirulina.

     • Objective: Assess it as a sustainable food and oxygen source.

     • Microgravity Factor: Algae’s gas exchange, buoyancy, and growth rate are crucial for space bio-regenerative life support.

  4. Cyanobacteria Response

     • Focus: Study genetic and protein responses of cyanobacteria.

     • Objective: Use them for oxygen production and waste recycling.

     • Microgravity Factor: Their photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation capabilities behave differently when they are weightless.

  5. Tardigrade Survival

     • Focus: Examine how tardigrades (tiny water bears) survive and reproduce in microgravity.

     • Objective: Learn how extremophiles adapt to stress, which is important for cryobiology and space protection.

     • Microgravity Advantage: Harsh conditions simulate future planetary environments.

  6. Voyager Displays (Human–Screen Interaction)

     • Focus: Study how humans interact with screens in space.

     • Goal: Improve astronaut cognitive focus, eye-tracking, and user interface design.

     • Microgravity Factor: It changes perception, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination.

Conclusion:

No experiment has been reported as a failure. Axiom Mission-4 is a landmark success in commercial microgravity research, with over 60 experiments launched and conducted flawlessly. Shubhanshu Shukla’s microgravity research mission is ongoing and progressing as planned, marking a major milestone for India in human spaceflight and life science research.