Last week, the crew of Shenzhou-21, part of the Chinese mainland's crewed space program, tackled a jam-packed schedule of experiments and maintenance tasks.
Astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang executed a series of groundbreaking studies and procedures, combining science, safety and station upkeep:
- Microgravity intuitive-physics: used onboard laptops to track how extended spaceflight affects instinctive physical reactions.
- Metabolic analysis: deployed a Raman spectrometer to analyze urine samples, feeding data to refine biomarker indicator systems.
- Space-medicine software: installed new programs to support upcoming health experiments.
- Two-phase systems trial: replaced the high-speed image storage unit and reassembled the experimental module.
- Emergency readiness: ran the first full-system pressure emergency drill, simulating internal depressurization and testing crew-ground coordination.
- Station upkeep: inspected low-temperature storage units, checked the -80°C space freezer and maintained the life-support system.
- Health checks: conducted non-invasive cardiac function tests, sending real-time data to ground researchers.
These efforts are generating rich datasets that the global space community is watching closely. From intuitive-physics to metabolic biomarker research, each experiment brings sustainable, long-duration space travel within reach.
As the Shenzhou-21 crew gears up for the next phase, their work offers insights that could redefine astronaut health, station maintenance and future missions, fueling a new era of discovery beyond Earth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
