Latest news with #Hungarian-developed
India.com
04-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Axiom 4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla Completes One Week Aboard ISS, Speaks With Family During Off-Duty Day
Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, part of the international Axiom Mission 4 crew aboard the International Space Station, completed a week in orbit on Wednesday, spending the day off-duty speaking with family back on Earth and preparing to resume his packed research schedule the next day, Axiom Space said in its official blog The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, has now spent a full week aboard the International Space Station, as per a blog by Axiom Space. By the end of Wednesday, since docking on June 26, the astronauts will have completed approximately 113 orbits around Earth, covering over 2.9 million miles. To put that into perspective, that's nearly 12 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, the blog further read. On Wednesday, the crew enjoyed a well-earned off-duty day, giving them a chance to recharge and connect with family and friends back on Earth. On Thursday, they'll dive back into a packed schedule of scientific research and technology demonstrations that will continue through the weekend. In just seven days, the Ax-4 astronauts have already made significant contributions to scientific research. Peggy has been involved in cancer research using microgravity to study how tumour cells behave in space, work that is helping develop new therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, the Axiom blog added further. "Shux" has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects the growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space. The findings could reveal new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cellular resilience which could translate into clinically relevant knowledge on Earth. Suave has been testing a wearable acoustic monitoring device designed to improve how sound levels are tracked aboard the space station. This technology could enhance astronaut health and inform the design of future spacecraft. Meanwhile, Tibor has been monitoring radiation levels using a Hungarian-developed dosimeter, while also leading a project to grow microgreens on orbit -- a step toward sustainable food production in space. This mission is historic for its international significance. It marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have conducted a mission aboard the space station and represents these nations' return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. The Ax-4 crew is conducting over 60 experiments during their two-week stay, highlighting the growing role of commercial and international partnerships in space exploration. With more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets witnessed from orbit, the Ax-4 mission is advancing science progress in space and inspiring a new generation of explorers. After a day of rest, the crew will be ready to resume their packed research and outreach agendas. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Axiom 4 mission: Shubhanshu Shukla completes a week in orbit aboard ISS
Shukla has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space ANI US Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, part of the international Axiom Mission 4 crew aboard the International Space Station, completed a week in orbit on Wednesday, spending the day off-duty speaking with family back on Earth and preparing to resume his packed research schedule the next day, Axiom Space said in its official blog The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu, has now spent a full week aboard the International Space Station, as per a blog by Axiom Space. By the end of Wednesday, since docking on June 26, the astronauts will have completed approximately 113 orbits around Earth, covering over 2.9 million miles. To put that into perspective, that's nearly 12 times the distance between Earth and the Moon, the blog further read. On Wednesday, the crew enjoyed a well-earned off-duty day, giving them a chance to recharge and connect with family and friends back on Earth. On Thursday, they'll dive back into a packed schedule of scientific research and technology demonstrations that will continue through the weekend. In just seven days, the Ax-4 astronauts have already made significant contributions to scientific research. Peggy has been involved in cancer research using microgravity to study how tumour cells behave in space, work that is helping develop new therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, the Axiom blog added further. "Shux" has been conducting experiments that explore how microgravity affects the growth and genetic behaviour of algae and how tardigrades, hardy microscopic creatures, survive and reproduce in space. The findings could reveal new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cellular resilience which could translate into clinically relevant knowledge on Earth. Suave has been testing a wearable acoustic monitoring device designed to improve how sound levels are tracked aboard the space station. This technology could enhance astronaut health and inform the design of future spacecraft. Meanwhile, Tibor has been monitoring radiation levels using a Hungarian-developed dosimeter, while also leading a project to grow microgreens on orbit -- a step toward sustainable food production in space. This mission is historic for its international significance. It marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary have conducted a mission aboard the space station and represents these nations' return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. The Ax-4 crew is conducting over 60 experiments during their two-week stay, highlighting the growing role of commercial and international partnerships in space exploration. With more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets witnessed from orbit, the Ax-4 mission is advancing science progress in space and inspiring a new generation of explorers. After a day of rest, the crew will be ready to resume their packed research and outreach agendas. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the station's Harmony module.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Excited about impact of experiments part of the mission: Tibor Kapu
For months now, Tibor Kapu and India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla have trained side by side—navigating spacecraft systems, running emergency drills, enduring isolation simulations, and even learning to fly—preparing for a shared journey that will carry them far beyond Earth. When they launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8, Kapu will represent Hungary on its historic first spaceflight. In an exclusive interview to TOI, Kapu reflects on how his research-driven mindset shapes his approach to space missions, the Hungarian experiments he's taking to orbit, and the technologies he believes will redefine our future in space. Excerpts: What are the most exciting scientific experiments/innovations you hope to contribute to during the mission? I'm particularly excited about the diversity and potential impact of the Hungarian scientific experiments. One highlight is studying how microgravity affects the human microbiome — understanding its effect on bacterial, viral, and fungal communities in the body could be vital for long-term spaceflight and even medicine on Earth. We're also testing a medical device: a novel, nanofibrous eye insert without any active pharmaceutical ingredients. Another project spins a water sphere to mimic planetary dynamics—an engaging way to teach physics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar We'll also be testing microfluidic drug chips and a Hungarian-developed personal dosimetry device for radiation monitoring. How has your engineering & research background influenced your approach to space missions? My background has greatly helped me in preparation. Analytical skills and problem-solving techniques I've developed over the years have been valuable while training for space exploration. Engineering principles guide my understanding of spacecraft systems and mission protocols, while my research experience helps me appreciate scientific objectives and experiments. This combination allows me to contribute effectively to mission execution, ensuring we maximise scientific return while maintaining safety and efficiency. Given your tech background, what future advancements do you believe will impact space exploration? I believe the future lies in space radiation protection, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. These are key to long-duration missions. New materials will improve spacecraft durability, while autonomy will allow deeper exploration with less human input. These technologies will also benefit life on Earth—enhancing medicine and sustainability. Satellite constellations and on-orbit data processing are also exciting; we're beginning to shift high-energy activities into orbit, easing Earth's burden. What does it feel like to be part of a private mission like Ax-4? It's incredibly special, especially to represent Hungary on its first mission to the ISS. Growing up, I was fascinated by space. This mission is a dream come true—not just for me, but for many aspiring scientists back home. It's a proud moment that showcases Hungary's contribution to international collaboration and will hopefully inspire future generations. With your experience in high-stakes environments, how do you prepare for the challenges of living and working in space? We've undergone comprehensive training across physical, technical, and psychological domains. This includes learning spacecraft systems, practising emergency procedures, and maintaining fitness. Psychological readiness is equally crucial—we focus on resilience and effective communication. In Hungary, we had an intense two-year selection and training process: survival training, aerobatics, hyperbaric chamber testing, and private pilot licensing. We studied rocket theory, space engineering, and space health, and underwent isolation training. In the US, this was expanded with demanding simulations—from donning pressurised suits to emergency drills inside full-scale ISS mockups. Every phase has prepared us for the rigours of spaceflight.
