China's Shenzhou-21 crew will conduct groundbreaking biological research involving mice aboard the Tiangong space station, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced Thursday. The experiment aims to study the effects of microgravity on mammalian physiology, a critical step for long-term human space exploration.
Four mice—two males and two females—will travel to the orbiting laboratory aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, where they will be housed in specialized habitats. CMSA spokesperson Zhang Jingbo emphasized the importance of the study for understanding bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and reproductive health in space environments.
This mission marks China's first in-orbit mammal research project since the space station became fully operational. Scientists hope the findings will inform future interplanetary travel strategies and advance biomedical applications on Earth. The experiment aligns with China's broader goals to expand its role in space science and international collaboration.
With over 1,000 experiments planned for the Tiangong station, this initiative underscores Asia's growing influence in cutting-edge scientific research. The results could benefit global efforts to establish sustainable human presence beyond Earth, resonating with researchers, investors, and space enthusiasts worldwide.
