July 10, International Space Station (ISS): The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew’s stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is officially set to extend beyond its original 14-day timeline, with the European Space Agency (ESA) indicating that their return will take place no earlier than July 14. The mission, which launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 25 and docked with the ISS a day later, has been deeply focused on pushing the boundaries of microgravity science.
The Ax-4 crew includes mission commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (ESA) and Tibor Kapu. While Axiom Space and ESA have acknowledged the potential delay, Isro has not issued any public statement confirming a revised return date.
Science Over Schedule: AX-4’s Research-Heavy Mission Continues
Ax-4 crew began their scientific operations on June 27, and were initially expected to conclude them by July 10. But with their timeline now extended by at least four more days, the focus remains on completing a series of high-priority microgravity experiments—some of which have a direct bearing on future space farming.
ESA stated that their astronaut, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, will be flown to Cologne, Germany following his return, where he will undergo medical evaluation and rehabilitation at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) and the DLR’s envihab facility. The facility serves as a central hub for post-mission recovery, supported by flight surgeons, physiotherapists, and a dedicated space medicine team.
India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Turns Space Farmer
One of the most fascinating updates from Ax-4 involves Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has been conducting a suite of experiments aimed at space agriculture and sustainability.
Shukla has taken on the role of a space farmer by cultivating methi (fenugreek) and moong (green gram) seeds aboard the ISS. As part of the “sprouts project,” he planted seeds in petri dishes, stored them at -80°C, and initiated experiments to examine how microgravity affects seed germination and early development.
Axiom Space explained that these seeds will be brought back to Earth, where scientists will observe them over several generations to study potential genetic changes, microbial interactions, and nutritional shifts—insights crucial for long-term food sustainability in space.
Microalgae, Biofuels, and Future Space Nutrition
Shukla has also contributed to futuristic experiments involving microalgae, assessing their ability to generate oxygen, food, and biofuel in space environments. These studies aim to make space travel more self-sustaining, reducing dependence on Earth-based resources.
Additionally, he has taken high-resolution images for a crop seeds experiment, which includes six plant varieties. These will be cultivated across multiple generations post-mission to identify the most promising candidates for genetic modification and sustainable farming in extraterrestrial habitats.
Global Collaboration and Outreach
In total, the Ax-4 mission involves 60 experiments spanning 31 countries. Shukla alone is handling 12 key projects, including seven indigenously developed by Indian institutions and five under joint ISRO-NASA collaboration. His participation marks a significant milestone in India’s growing contributions to international space exploration.
Axiom Space noted that the mission goes beyond science, with all astronauts actively participating in global educational outreach, sharing real-time updates and inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
Return Timeline Still Tentative
ESA has clearly stated that the earliest possible return will be July 14, depending on the undocking schedule of the Dragon spacecraft. The re-entry capsule, Dragon Grace, remains docked to the ISS and will only initiate departure once final clearances are received.
The extended stay also allows time for the astronauts’ bodies to better acclimatize to Earth’s gravity upon return, especially with additional time for debriefing, medical checks, and physiological readjustment protocols.
A Mission Redefined by Discovery
Though delayed, the Axiom-4 mission continues to be a remarkable success, marked by international collaboration, advanced scientific research, and ambitious sustainability experiments. With Shubhanshu Shukla leading India’s contribution from space, the Ax-4 mission serves as a potent reminder that the future of space travel is not just about reaching new frontiers, but also learning how to thrive in them.
As we await the crew’s safe return, their ongoing work is already planting seeds for the future—literally and figuratively.
