Over 60 space experiments completed on Axiom-4
These experiments included research into muscle formation (myogenesis), bone health, microalgae sustainability, stem cell behavior, and the growth of edible sprouts in microgravity. The findings are anticipated to play a vital role in developing long-duration spaceflight strategies and enhancing biomedical understanding on Earth.
Originally scheduled to return on July 10 after a planned 14-day mission, astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Alper Gezeravcı (Kapu), and Slawosz Uznanski had their stay extended due to unfavorable conditions at the splashdown site, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
Another key reason for the delay was the need to complete several ongoing experiments, which required more time for meaningful results. Their return has now been tentatively rescheduled for July 14.
Commissioned by Axiom Space, a Houston-based private space company, the mission was carried out in partnership with NASA, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), and ESA (European Space Agency). The Axiom-4 mission had two primary objectives: to enable commercial activities in space and to foster deeper international cooperation in space exploration.
The successful collaboration between major space agencies and the private sector is seen as a significant step forward in the evolving landscape of space missions, where science, commerce, and diplomacy converge in low Earth orbit. UNI BDN SSP
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