Here is how flight surgeons are monitoring the AX-4 crew, with India in the loop. Bharat News
In the International Space Station (ISS), four AXIOM-4 (AX-4) astronauts, including group captain Sukhanshu Shukla (Shax), are being closely monitored not only for scientific production, but also for their own physical adaptation for life in microgravity.Behind the curtain, a team led by the Axiom Space Flight Surgeon is making sure that each crew members are mission-competent, supported and healthy. “Our primary focus from a medical point of view is ensuring his constant goodness through regular telehealth check-in,” John Marshal said, AX-4 lead flight surgeon told toi in a special interview.Unlike long-term campaigns, AX-4 is a short term at class, meaning that the real-time tracking of physical parameters is not the standard exercise-until regular check-in is not indicated by signs or symptoms. “We are active, not only reactive,” Marshall explained, given that care is individual and adaptive. While the nuances of Shukla’s medical profile are confidential, Marshall confirmed that flight surgeons are ready for tailor support as required.The AX-4 mission, an effort of a commercial-human spacecraft involving multiple international partners, has laid special emphasis on integrating cultural and agency-specific needs-some reflected in scriptural tasks. Marshall said, “Axiom crew members have food options that reflect their cultural preferences,” meanwhile, sleep bicycle and activity schedule, perfectly aligned with a broad station timetable to ensure operational harmony.But health in space is not only physical, it is also psychological. Marshall said, “Every astronaut has access to resources to suit their needs, and we remain vigilant about how we can affect cultural background, language and personal routine.”Medical check-in riding in ISS follow a structured structure yet. The sessions are spread throughout the mission timeline and cover the known effects of the spaceflight – from fluid shifts to musculoscalelles change and sleep quality. “We adjust the frequency of how each crew member is being adapted,” he said.
Flyers for the first time
Three of four AX-4 astronauts including Shukla are flyers for the first time, who place bets for early monitoring. However, Marshall reduced any sharp difference between miscreants and veterans in the case of medical oversite. “Preparation is the most important advance solution,” he said. Before the launch, all astronauts undergo medical training to identify and respond to the effects of microgravity. In class, it is reinforced with structured support and casual protocol for unexpected symptoms.Shukla’s background as a test pilot gives her the base line of physical and mental flexibility, but space, Marshall said, “level to the area.” Microgravity can also affect the most experienced individuals unexpectedly. “Instead of comparing, we take personal care. Our protocol is designed to be flexible and responsible how each astronaut is adopting in real time.”
Access to india
AX-4 makes specific as far as India is concerned, a joint monitoring of astronaut health. Indian Doctors – Both ISRO and Indian Air Force Institute of Aerospace Medicine – are participating in some of these conferences. Marshall said, “His participation not only supports his astronaut, but also strengthens our shared understanding of the human spaceflight.”For India’s own human spacecraft ambitions, the AX-4 mission has become a live class. Indian flight surgeons posted in Houston have been closely involved in the pre-Urban quarantine protocol and are now getting front-in seats for in-flight medical support. “Hands-on experience is the most effective teacher,” Marshall said. “They are looking at our medical workflows, technologies we used and comprehensive program composition. We fully expect this exposure to inform India’s own human spaceflight medical protocol.”
