Axiom Space has announced that the return of the crew from the International Space Station (ISS) will begin no earlier than Monday, July 14, at 1:05 PM Polish time. “This gives our astronaut and the rest of the crew additional time to carry out technological and scientific experiments,” the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) stated in a press release.
The current progress in completing the mission’s primary objectives has been assessed at 91.3%, while the completion rate of additional activities stands at 20.4%.
In Axiom Space’s daily report, the company emphasized that the astronauts are making the most of their final days in orbit, continuing experiments that “could shape the future of space exploration and improve life on Earth.” POLSA explained that on the 14th day of the mission, astronauts were engaged in research on changes in gut microbiota in space (Human Gut Microbiota), mental health during space missions (AstroMentalHealth), brain-computer interface applications (PhotonGrav), bone health, muscle stimulation, and sleep in orbit.
The Polish Astronaut’s Tasks
The 15th day of the mission has been described as particularly busy. The schedule includes a series of experiments, such as regulating emotional states using brain activity feedback (EEG Neurofeedback), testing MXene nanomaterials, and studying the survivability of genetically modified yeast in space conditions (Yeast TardigradeGene).
The Polish astronaut will also make another visit to the Cupola observation module and prepare additional promotional materials in the Columbus module, according to POLSA. The agency also explained that astronauts living aboard the ISS must cope with limited supplies, including water, which is essential for survival but difficult to transport. That’s why the station uses the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which, among other functions, recycles water for the astronauts. This system is capable of reclaiming over 90% of water on the ISS, which is crucial, as each astronaut consumes nearly 4 liters of water per day for drinking, meal preparation, and hygiene.
Meanwhile, another four-person crew is preparing for spaceflight. They are scheduled to launch to the ISS at the end of July.