The ISS Chronicles: Axiom Mission 4

Concluded on July 15, 2025, as Crew Dragon Grace returned safely after 18 days aboard the ISS completeing 60 experiments.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian on the ISS in 41 years, leading 7 ISRO microgravity experiments under Commander Peggy Whitson. He was joined by Poland’s Sławosz Uznański and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, each marking a historic national debut in space research.

Through The ISS Chronicles podcast, Movsta Academy decoded daily mission insights into storytelling and science for the next generation. Available on Spotify, it preserves India’s return to space in audio — raw, technical, and timeless. Click below on the cards to listen them.

#1 | The Launch

June 25, 2025

Led by Peggy Whitson with crew from India, Poland and Hungary—marking a historic return to the ISS. A global journey of unity and space exploration begins.

#2 | Grace Docks

June 26, 2025

After docking, Axiom 4 entered the ISS and met Expedition 73. Shukla, Uznański, and Kapu became astronauts 634–636.

#3 | AX-4 Syncs

June 27, 2025

Ax‑4 settles into orbit, laying the groundwork for science and global collaboration.

From safety drills to experiment setup, the crew prepares for a mission spanning 31 nations.

#4 | Research Kick-Off

June 28, 2025

Ax‑4 shifts into full research gear, turning the ISS into a lab for Earth and beyond. From cancer cells to crops and circulation, the crew begins shaping the future of space medicine and sustainability.

#5 | Microgravity Breakthroughs

June 29, 2025

From cancer cells to microalgae and brainwaves, Ax‑4 explores the science of survival in space. As the crew dives into fluidics, VR, and global outreach, innovation meets inspiration aboard the ISS.

#6 | Cancer, Microgreens & Mind Interfaces

June 30, 2025

Ax‑4 fuses cutting-edge research with human connection in orbit.

From tumor therapies and thought-controlled tech to space-grown greens, the mission pushes science with heart.

#07 | Tumors, Algae & Neural Interfaces

July 01, 2025

Ax‑4 dives deep into life science, space interfaces, and global inspiration. From tumor imaging to algae farming and brain scans, the crew balances breakthrough research with worldwide outreach.

#08 | Algae, Tardigrades & Wearables

July 02, 2025

From tardigrades to thermal suits, Ax‑4 blends advanced science with global connection. The crew pushes frontiers in biology, tech, and inspiration—linking orbit to classrooms and space agencies worldwide.

#09 | Crew Recharge

July 03, 2025

After 2.9 million miles and 113 orbits, the Ax‑4 crew pauses to reflect and recharge. With science spanning 31 nations, the mission takes a breath before launching into its next phase.

#10 | Mission Halfway, Research Resumes

July 04, 2025

At mission midpoint, Ax‑4 returns from rest to a symphony of science and global engagement.

From cancer research to cognitive tests, the crew celebrates progress—with Earth and classrooms watching.

#11 | Concluding Week One Experiments

July 05, 2025

Nine days in, Ax‑4 blends precision science with powerful outreach from orbit.

From tumor organoids to seed sprouting and space CPR, the crew showcases what it means to live, learn, and lead in microgravity.

#12 | Muscle Atrophy To Nanomaterials

July 06, 2025

As Ax‑4 powers past its halfway mark, science meets story aboard the ISS.

From muscle biology to biometric wearables—and a favorite snack—the mission blends research with real human moments.

#13 | Cyanobacteria & Crew Cognition

July 07, 2025

As Ax‑4 enters its final week, the crew dives deeper into bio-science and brain-tech breakthroughs. From algae and eye-tracking to neural scans and wearable sensors, each experiment shapes spaceflight’s future.

#14 | Seeds, Sensors & Mental Health

July 08, 2025

With Earth on the horizon, Ax‑4 zeroes in on space farming, mental health, and wearable tech. From sprouts and suits to smart sensors and cognition, the crew fine-tunes life in microgravity.

#15 | Six Million Miles & Earth Reflections

July 09, 2025

After 6 million miles in orbit, Ax‑4 takes one final breath before the final stretch.

From serene Earth views to 60+ experiments, the crew reflects—then readies to push science further.

#16 | Undock Preps & Final Science

July 10, 2025

Ax‑4 enters its final phase with one last push in science, systems, and storytelling.

From algae to AI, the crew wraps mission-critical research ahead of undocking and global outreach.

#17 | Wrapping Up Experiments Before Return

July 11, 2025

As undocking nears, Ax‑4 delivers a powerful finale in science and human physiology. From microalgae to microbiomes, the crew pushes the edge of life-support and cognitive research in orbit.