Chinese scientists have achieved a milestone in space biology as one of four mice from the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft mission successfully gave birth to healthy offspring after returning to Earth. The Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization under the Chinese Academy of Sciences confirmed the breakthrough on December 27, 2025, marking a critical step in understanding mammalian reproduction in extraterrestrial environments.
The rodent astronauts spent 14 days aboard China's space station starting October 31, residing in specialized habitats designed to test survival capabilities in microgravity. After their November 14 return to the Chinese mainland, researchers observed successful conception and subsequent birth of nine pups on December 10 – with six surviving specimens now developing normally.
This experiment provides crucial data for future long-term space missions, addressing fundamental questions about mammalian reproduction in space environments. The findings could inform strategies for sustaining life during extended lunar missions or interplanetary travel, positioning China at the forefront of space biology research.
