The Ax-4 mission, expected to last 14-21 days, will “realize the return” to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with each nation’s first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years.

While Ax-4 marks these countries' second human spaceflight mission in history, it will be the first time all three nations will execute a mission on board the International Space Station.

Mission Overview

The assigned Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years.

- Shubhanshu Shukla will be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984.

- Sławosz Uznański, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut, will be the second Polish astronaut since 1978.

- Tibor Kapu will be the second national Hungarian astronaut since 1980.

- Peggy Whitson will command her second commercial human spaceflight mission, adding to her standing record for the longest cumulative time in space by an American astronaut.

- Ax-4 will be the second commercial spaceflight mission made up of government and ESA-sponsored national astronauts.

- The Ax-4 mission stands as a beacon of opportunity for India, Poland, and Hungary, each poised to leverage this mission to advance their national space programs.

Ax-4 will launch aboard a brand-new Crew Dragon capsule, designated C213—the fifth and final spacecraft in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon fleet. The capsule will be named by the crew at a later date.

Ax-4 research includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.

There is a strong focus on scientific portfolios led by countries represented on the Ax-4 mission, to include the U.S., India, Poland in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Hungary. The studies will contribute to the global knowledge base in human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences, showcasing the space research capabilities of the crew’s home nations.

Axiom Research Overview

Axiom Space is leading a diverse array of research initiatives to advance scientific understanding of microgravity’s effects and better understand astronaut health and performance during space missions. These projects include medical support for diabetic astronauts, the effects of microgravity on the brain and body, and the collection of vital health data.The research also delves into the impact of space travel on joints, blood flow, stem cells, cancer growth, and radiation exposure.

Research studies will focus on:

Researching how to support astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes during short-duration missions in microgravity.

Examining microgravity's impact on the brain and cognitive risks.
Collecting physiological and psychological data from astronauts to understand how humans adapt to space.

Studying the effects of short spaceflights on joints and blood flow.
Assessing astronaut ‘readiness’ using a wearable device, iPhone software, and AWS Snowcone analytics.

Developing infrastructure for wearable device data processing during the Ax-4 mission.

Investigating cancer growth in space, focusing on triple-negative breast cancer.

Understanding the effects on blood stem cells during spaceflight.‍

INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION (ISRO)

The ISRO-led research, in collaboration with NASA and ESA, focuses on advancing microgravity research aboard the International Space Station to enhance our understanding of biological processes in microgravity and develop strategies for long-duration space missions. The scientific experiments are set to drive significant advancements in space science and technology, while also inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. Ax-4 strengthens India's presence in space and promotes the country's dedication to contributing to global scientific progress.

Research studies will focus on:

Investigating physical and cognitive impact of computer screens in microgravity.

Studying growth, metabolism, and genetics of three microalgae strains in microgravity vs. ground.

Comparing growth, cellular responses, and biochemistry of two cyanobacteria strains in microgravity.

Identifying pathways of skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity and exploring therapies.

Examining spaceflight impacts on six crop seed varieties.

Investigating the impacts of spaceflight on germination and growth of crop seeds.

Identifying molecular mechanisms of resilience in extreme environments.‍

‍EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)/POLAND RESEARCH

Supported by the Polish government and ESA, Ax-4 features comprehensive scientific research and technology demonstrations. The research focuses on various experiments the Polish space industry proposed and developed under ESA's guidance. These experiments aim to advance our understanding of space-related challenges and contribute to future space exploration efforts. The Ax-4 mission represents a significant step forward for Poland's space ambitions and highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing space science.

Research studies will focus on:

Studying astronauts' mental and behavioral health on the International Space Station.

Monitoring bone loss upon re-entry after space missions.
Examining bone markers to predict recovery behavior.

Evaluating neurofeedback for stress reduction and performance.

Investigating gut microbiome changes during short-term space stays.

Examining immune cell adaptation to microgravity.

Monitoring astronauts' soft tissue health during missions.

Exploring muscle electrical stimulation to protect muscle mass in microgravity.

Using brain imaging technology to develop a human-computer interface in microgravity.

Testing methods to extend pharmaceutical shelf-life in space.

Testing an acoustic monitor on the International Space Station.

Advancing onboard data processing for space and Earth applications.

Measuring space radiation levels with a monitor in the Columbus module.

Assessing six wearable biomonitor devices for function and stability in space.

Investigating red microalgae for long-duration space missions.

Investigating a tardigrade gene in yeast for microgravity protection.

HUGARIAN TO ORBIT (HUNOR) PROGRAM RESEARCH

The HUNOR research on the Ax-4 mission encompasses a range of scientific experiments designed to enhance our knowledge of space and its impacts on humans and materials. These studies aim to provide valuable insights for space exploration and potential Earth-based applications.

Research studies will focus on:

Examining how space conditions affect human bacterial, viral, and fungal microbiomes.

Investigating microgravity's effect on cognitive function and motor skills.

Demonstrating application of nanofibrous eye inserts in microgravity.

Examining low-melting point metal behavior for next-generation ion-jet propulsion systems.

Monitoring crew radiation exposure and environmental conditions with a personal dosimetry device.

Mimicking planet-scale atmospheric dynamics with a novel way of spinning a water sphere in microgravity.

Investigating how fruit flies fight radiation-induced DNA damage with enhanced biochemical processes.

Studying plant germination, microgreen production, and leaf development.
Examining microfluidic drug testing chips in space.

Studying associative learning and visual processing in space.

Examining changes in cardiovascular and balancing systems.

Understanding cerebral blood flow adaptation to spaceflight.

Validating clothing heat transfer simulation in different gravity environments for improved astronaut thermal comfort.

Testing precise position tracking with standard inertial sensors in space.

Exploring spaceflight effects on 3D printed materials.

Studying upper atmospheric thunderstorms.

Demonstrating gravitational curiosities during a joint physics class with students from across Hungary.

Dragon Vehicle Statistics

Total launches: 51

Visits to the ISS: 46

Total reflights: 31

The Crew Dragon spacecraft has carried 64 humans into orbit since May 2020.

Technical Specifications

Height: 8.1 m / 26.7 ft
Diameter: 4 m / 13 ft
Capsule volume: 9.3 m³ / 328 ft³
Trunk volume: 37 m³ / 1300 ft³
Launch Payload Mass: 6,000 kg / 13,228 lbs
Return Payload Mass: 3,000 kg / 6,614 lbs

The capsule includes a launch abort system, advanced environmental control and life support systems to keep the crew safe during flight, and state-of-the-art touchscreen interfaces.

Crew Dragon is designed to operate autonomously but can be manually controlled by SpaceX teams in Hawthorne, California, and the astronauts on board.

In addition to crew rotation missions to the ISS, Crew Dragon is also available for private missions to Earth orbit, like the Inspiration 4 mission in September 2021.

Courtesy of SpaceX and Axiom.

Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.

Falcon 9 is the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket.

Stats

Completed missions: 488

Total landings: 443

Total reflights: 413

The Falcon 9 has launched 64 humans into orbit since May 2020

Specs

Height: 70 m / 229.6 ft

Diameter: 3.7 m / 12 ft

Mass: 549,054 kg / 1,207,920 lb

Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 22,800 kg / 50,265 lb

Payload to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): 8,300 kg / 18,300 lb

Payload to Mars: 4,020 kg / 8,860 lb

On January 24, 2021, Falcon 9 launched the first ride-share mission to Sun Synchronous Orbit. It was delivering a record-setting 143 satellites to space. And while this was an important mission for SpaceX in itself, it was also the moment Falcon 9 overtook United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V for the total number of consecutive successful launches.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 had become America’s workhorse rocket, launching 31 times in 2021. It has already beaten that record this year, launching almost an average of once a week. While most of the launches deliver Starlink satellites to orbit, the company is still launching the most commercial payloads to orbit, too.

Falcon 9 is a medium-lift launch vehicle, with the capability to launch over 22.8 metric tonnes to low earth orbit. Unlike any other rocket, its first stage lands back on Earth after separating from its second stage. In part, this allows SpaceX to offer the cheapest option for most customers with payloads that need to reach orbit.

Under its ride-share program, a kilogram can be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit for a mere 1.1 million dollars, far cheaper than all other currently operating small satellite launch vehicles.

The reusability and fast booster turnaround times have made Falcon 9 the preferred choice for private companies and government agencies. This has allowed SpaceX to capture a huge portion of the launch market.

Protecting the Crew

On the launch pad, the crew will board Dragon prior to fueling of the rocket.

Dragon's abort system will be armed and ready to pull the crew away from Falcon 9 in the event a critical issue develops during fueling.

The launch to a 200 x 200 km orbit will take just under 9 minutes.

Dragon and its crew will then separate from the Falcon 9 second stage 11 minutes after liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center.

Photo courtesy of SpaceX

Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) is a historic launch site located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Originally constructed in the late 1960s, LC-39A was designed to support the Apollo program, including the groundbreaking Apollo 11 mission that first landed humans on the Moon in 1969. The pad also played a crucial role in launching Skylab missions and was instrumental during the Space Shuttle era, including the launch of the first Space Shuttle, Columbia, on STS-1 in 1981.

In 2014, SpaceX leased LC-39A from NASA and undertook extensive refurbishments to adapt the pad for its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. These upgrades involved significant modifications to the pad's infrastructure to meet the requirements of SpaceX’s rockets. Since then, LC-39A has become a vital launch site for SpaceX, supporting a range of missions including crewed flights under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Under SpaceX's management, LC-39A has been the site of several landmark events. It hosted the first Falcon 9 launch from the pad on March 30, 2017, and was the launch site for the historic Falcon Heavy debut on February 6, 2018, which was the most powerful rocket in operation at that time. Additionally, LC-39A was the launch site for the first crewed flight of the Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30, 2020, marking the first crewed spaceflight from U.S. soil since the end of the Shuttle program.

Today, LC-39A remains a critical asset for SpaceX, supporting both crewed and uncrewed missions. It continues to serve as a launch site for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets and is expected to play a central role in future missions, including those aimed at lunar exploration and beyond. The pad's rich history and ongoing significance highlight its importance in the broader context of space exploration.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Hautmann for Supercluster

The Harmony module, also known within NASA as Node-2, was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2007 on the STS-120 mission of Shuttle Discovery.

Harmony serves as the gateway between the US scientific and living modules and the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory and Japan's Kibo complex.

The module is equipped with two docking ports for US crew (Dragon and Starliner) and cargo (Dragon) spacecraft and also has one berthing port that can be used for either Northrop Grumman's Cygnus or Japan's HTV cargo ships.

Picture: A cargo Dragon docked to Harmony's zenith, or space-facing docking port. Part of Japan's Kibo complex can been seen to the left of Dragon. Credit: NASA

LZ-1

Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) is an 86 meter wide circular landing pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and is one of two SpaceX booster landing pads at the Florida spaceport.

Built on former Launch Complex 13, LZ-1 was the site of SpaceX's first successful landing and recovery of a Falcon 9 on the ORBCOMM-2 mission in December 2015. Since then, it has hosted 16 landings.

The landing pad, as well as its twin, LZ-2 located a few dozen meters away, can support both single landings of a Falcon 9 or simultaneous landings of the two Falcon Heavy side boosters.

Photo: Jenny Hautmann for Supercluster

Download the Supercluster app to track spacecraft traffic and view crewmembers aboard the International Space Station and China’s Tiangong Space Station.

Alternatively, you can use the web version of our Stations Dashboard on Supercluster's website.

We now track "Arrivals and Departures" for both stations through a new "Timetable" feature, covering crew rotations and cargo resupply missions.

You can also switch between the ISS and Tiangong to see their relative positions over Earth on our mini-map.

A recent update allows users to enable push alerts for notifications when space stations pass over their location.

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