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Shubhanshu Shukla has a phone call with the ISRO chief while in outer space, updates him on Axiom-4's scientific experiments
Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to go on a mission to outer space as part of Axiom-4, gave an update to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) chairman V Narayanan on Sunday, July 6. In a phone call with the ISRO chief, which was first reported on by the Press Trust of India (PTI), Shubhanshu expressed his gratitude for the efforts of ISRO in ensuring Axiom-4's success, while also updating him on the particulars of how the mission was progressing.
Shubhanshu Shukla's work with Axiom-4 includes scientific studies on bone health and radiation exposure. During the call, ISRO chairman Narayanan expressed his eagerness to discuss the Axiom-4 mission after Shubhanshu's return to Earth, as it would help with developing India's own Ganganyaan program.
Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission is conducting experiments
Private Astronaut Missions are redefining access to space for the larger global community. We are at the forefront of the commercial space revolution, presenting unparalleled opportunities for countries like India to #ExperienceSpace. #Ax4 — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 28, 2025
Axiom-4 is taking advantage of its time in outer space to conduct missions studying bone health and radiation exposure. The bone health studies involve analyzing how bones change their behavior under microgravity conditions. This analysis could go on to further research into combating osteoporosis, among other bone diseases.
The radiation exposure studies, on the other hand, are geared towards improving the safety conditions at the International Space Station (ISS), allowing for longer-term space missions to be safely planned out and executed.
Aside from Shubhanshu, the Axiom-4 mission crew also includes Poland's Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, Hungary's Tibor Kapu, and the United States's Peggy Whitson.
To Peggy, Shux, Sławosz, and Tibor, here are some loving words to commemorate this historic moment. #Ax4 — Axiom Space (@Axiom_Space) June 25, 2025
Shubhanshu's own callsign is 'Shux', which is reflected in some of the updates given by Axiom Space about the mission's experiments, such as one about micro-algae, which said:
"Shux deployed samples for the Space Micro Algae investigation. These tiny organisms might one day help sustain life in space, providing food, fuel, and even breathable air. But first, we need to understand how they grow and adapt in microgravity."
ISRO plans to leverage Axiom-4 findings for the Ganganyaan program
First Indian Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla was received in the International Space Station on June 26, 2025. Today is the historical day when he had interaction with Hon'ble PM of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji. This interaction of Prime Minister inspires and motivates 140 crore… — ISRO (@isro) June 28, 2025
Upon Shubhanshu Shukla's return to the Earth, ISRO will leverage his experiences on the Axiom-4 mission to further India's Ganganyaan program. This program is intended to demonstrate India's own capacity to launch manned spaceflight missions into low orbit above the Earth, so it will have a lot to learn from Axiom Space's missions.
