SCIENCE

Astronauts on ISS Enjoy Science, Earth Views, and Polish Pierogi

Houston, USAThu Jul 10 2025

A group of astronauts from Axiom Space's fourth mission are having a busy time on the International Space Station (ISS). They've been there since late June, working on over 60 science experiments and sharing their experiences with people back on Earth.

The Crew

The crew includes:

  • Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut who's spent more time in space than any other American. She's leading the team.
  • Astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary.

Science Experiments

The astronauts have been working on various experiments, including:

  • Growing radishes and peppers
  • Controlling machines with their brains
  • Tibor Kapu from Hungary is working on a tiny device that measures radiation and other things in space.
  • Shubhanshu Shukla from India is studying microalgae to see how they grow in space.

Life on the ISS

The astronauts have shared a meal of Polish pierogi, showing how the dumplings float in the zero-gravity environment. They've also been taking amazing photos of Earth from the ISS's cupola windows.

Return to Earth

The astronauts are expected to return to Earth soon, but the exact date depends on the weather at their splashdown site in the Pacific Ocean. Their stay might be extended if the weather isn't good, just like what happened with previous missions.

questions

    How do the scientific experiments conducted by the Ax-4 crew contribute to our understanding of microgravity's effects on biological organisms?
    Is the Rad Nano Dosimeter technology demonstration a cover for monitoring astronauts' every move in space?
    Are the microalgae investigations by Shux actually a front for a secret space bioengineering project?

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