
Can diabetics go to Space? Ax-4’s ‘Suite Ride’ study could make it possible
Shubhanshu Shukla, are set to conduct pioneering research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) later this year. Among their experiments is a groundbreaking study that could enable insulin-dependent diabetics to travel to space in the future.
Bryan Mitchell, Ax-4 mission manager, shared exclusive details about this research, known as ‘Suite Ride’, and other scientific studies that the crew will undertake. Speaking to TOI from Axiom Space headquarters in Houston, Texas, Mitchell explained the significance of these projects. While TOI visited the mission control room and Axiom’s space station development facility, Shukla and his backup, Group Captain Prashanth Nair, could not speak due to the absence of clearance from ISRO.
Suite Ride: Making Space Accessible for Diabetics
Axiom Space has collaborated with Burjeel Holdings on an experiment that could be a game-changer for diabetic individuals. “...Speaking of really great opportunities, one that comes to mind for Ax-4 is a research partnership between Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings on an experiment called ‘Suite Ride’. This one’s really fascinating because we’re paving the initial groundwork to enable insulin-dependent diabetic individuals to be able to fly in a commercial space environment. And so we’re actually attacking this problem in three different ways,” said Mitchell.
The study focuses on three key aspects. First, it aims to ensure that astronauts get accurate, calibrated blood glucose monitoring data in space. Second, the experiment involves capturing this calibrated data from crew members in orbit. Lastly, the collected data will be transmitted back to Earth for medical professionals to analyse.
“So again, for this
