Chethan Kumar (@chethan_dash) 's Twitter Profile
Chethan Kumar

@chethan_dash

Poet | Journalist (Space, Science & More) With timesofindia.indiatimes.com | @APCSS Fellow | Expert Consultant On 2 (award winning) Space Films For @wbd

ID: 1384419613

calendar_today27-04-2013 13:04:07

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#IndianInSpace #Update #Ax4 crew International Space Station are being closely monitored for their physiological adaptation to life in microgravity. @AxiomSpace flight surgeon John Marshall (2nd pic) shares details in an exclusive with me. Also see how India gets a front-row... 1/n

#IndianInSpace #Update

#Ax4 crew <a href="/Space_Station/">International Space Station</a> are being closely monitored for their physiological adaptation to life in microgravity. @AxiomSpace flight surgeon John Marshall (2nd pic) shares details in an exclusive with me. Also see how India gets a front-row... 1/n
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Behind the scenes, a team led by Axiom flight surgeons is ensuring that every crew member remains mission-capable, supported, and healthy, he says. 2/n

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“Our primary focus from a medical standpoint is ensuring their continued well-being through routine telehealth check-ins,” says Marshall. 3/n

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Unlike long-duration expeditions, #Ax4 is a short stint on orbit, which means real-time tracking of physiological parameters is not standard practice — unless prompted by signs or symptoms during the regular check-ins. 4/n

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“We’re proactive, not just reactive,” Marshall explained, noting that care is personalised and adaptive. 5/n

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While specifics of #Shux's (#ShubhanshuShukla) medical profile remain confidential, Marshall confirmed that flight surgeons are prepared to tailor support as required. 6/n

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#Ax4 mission, a commercial effort involving multiple international partners, has placed special emphasis on integrating cultural and agency-specific needs — something reflected in daily operations. 7/n

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“Axiom crew members have food options that reflect their cultural preferences,” said Marshall, adding that shared meals with Expedition 73 astronauts also foster a sense of camaraderie. 8/n

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Sleep cycles and activity schedules, meanwhile, are fully aligned with the broader station timetable to ensure operational cohesion. But health in space isn’t only physical, it’s psychological too. 9/n

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“Each astronaut has access to resources tailored to their needs, and we remain attentive to how cultural background, language, and personal routines might influence adaptation,” Marshall said. 10/n

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Sessions are spaced throughout the mission timeline and cover the known effects of spaceflight — from fluid shifts to musculoskeletal changes and sleep quality. 12/n

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First-Time Flyers: 3 of 4 #Ax4 astronauts, including #Shux, are first-time flyers, raising the stakes for close early monitoring. 14/n

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“Preparation is the most important anticipatory measure,” he said. Before launch, all astronauts undergo medical training to recognise and respond to the effects of microgravity. 16/n

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Shukla’s background as a test pilot does provide him with a baseline of physical and mental resilience, but space, Marshall noted, “levels the field.” 18/n

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Microgravity can affect even the most experienced individuals unpredictably. “Rather than draw comparisons, we individualise care. Our protocols are designed to be flexible and responsive to how each astronaut is adapting in real time.” 19/n

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Access To India: Indian doctors—from both ISRO and the IAF's Indian Air Force’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine — are participating in some of these conferences. 20/n