New Horizons in Space Health: Axiom 4 Crew Launches Innovative Biomedical Studies at ISS

On Tuesday, the crew members of the Axiom 4 mission commenced biomedical experiments aboard the International Space Station. The teams from Expedition 73 and Ax-4 discovered insights into electrical muscle stimulation and cellular immunity. Cargo transfers and maintenance of exercise equipment are part of the daily routine for those living in orbit.

Takuya Onishi, the Situation Commander from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), has initiated his research on space biology. He is collecting blood and saliva samples for future analysis and preservation. He subsequently utilized a centrifuge for the samples and stored the blood specimens in a freezer, then put them into an incubator for safekeeping.

JAXA’s Takuya Onishi Oversees Study on Cellular Immunity with Blood and Saliva Testing

As reported by NASA, these samples will be examined to assess how microgravity influences cellular immunity, monitor stress-related immune responses, and explore methods to alleviate immune system symptoms. Flight engineers Johnny Kim, Anne McClain, and Nichole Ayers dedicated their day to maintaining the orbital laboratory and assisting their fellow crew members. Kim primarily concentrated on the plumbing system in the Tranquility module, replacing and draining necessary components.

Ayers inspected cables and power systems within the Destiny laboratory module and switched off the microscope, ensuring it was properly stored. McClain completed a cognition assessment using the laptop while continuing to support the Ax-4 team during their busy assignments.

Ax-4 Crew Investigates Muscle Stimulation and Suit Fabric Effectiveness in Microgravity

Experienced astronaut Peggy Whitson and her Ax-4 colleagues, Shubhanshu Shukla, Tibor Kapu, and Uznański-Wiśniewski engaged in various scientific studies throughout the laboratory. During their second full week aboard, the private researchers found that electrical muscle stimulation exacerbates the impacts of muscle atrophy experienced in space. Other experiments conducted by the Ax-4 team evaluated how different suit fabrics enhance thermal comfort during physical activity in a weightless environment, as well as their implications for crew health and agriculture in outer space.

Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritskiy collaborated in the Zvezda service module, where they repaired and organized components of a treadmill, which is one of two located within the space station, including the COLBERT treadmill. Kirill Peskov began his day by sorting through biological samples from the crew members. At the conclusion of his shift, he transferred water from the Progress 92 cargo spacecraft and unloaded hardware and supplies for the team.