The Shenzhou-20 astronauts aboard the Chinese space station have been hard at work, completing over ten scientific experiments and tests in just one week, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Since their arrival on April 25, the three astronauts have been engaged in a series of tasks aimed at advancing our understanding of space and its effects on the human body. One of their significant achievements includes the collection and processing of blood samples, a crucial step in studying how long-duration space missions impact astronauts’ skeletal and nervous systems.
Using fine motor measurement devices, the crew performed memory slide tests. These tests are expected to provide valuable insights into changes in fine motor control and how astronauts adapt and learn in microgravity environments.
The team also conducted a study on the kinematic characteristics of astronauts in orbit. By observing their movements and operations within the space station, researchers hope to gather data that will support ergonomic design improvements and optimize on-orbit task planning.
In another experiment, the crew collected and preserved samples from a small aquatic ecosystem unit. These samples are essential for understanding how protein homeostasis regulates bone loss and cardiovascular dysfunction caused by weightlessness.
Maintenance tasks were also on the agenda. The astronauts replaced the sampling cover of an experimental plugin in the combustion experiment cabinet and serviced the containerless experiment cabinet by cleaning its chamber, replacing samples, and ensuring its axis mechanism functions correctly.
Furthermore, they replaced liquid bags in the fluids physics experiment cabinet to study the thermocapillary migration of droplets under microgravity conditions. Inside the cabin, they completed examinations of the space radiation biology exposure device.
These experiments and tasks are integral to China’s ongoing efforts to advance space science and technology. The Shenzhou-20 mission continues to contribute valuable data that will benefit future space exploration and our understanding of life beyond Earth.
