Over the past month, the crew of China’s Shenzhou-18 mission has been conducting a series of groundbreaking scientific experiments aboard the China Space Station, advancing our understanding of life in space.
Since entering the space station on April 26, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu have been diligently working on various experiments, including a life science and ecological study involving zebrafish and hornwort.
The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft, which launched on April 25, transported four zebrafish and samples of hornwort to the orbiting station. These species serve as subjects for examining the effects of microgravity on vertebrate growth and behavior, as well as the sustainability of contained ecosystems in space.
To date, the astronauts have successfully conducted two water samplings and replaced a fish food container as part of the experiment. They have observed unusual directional behaviors in the zebrafish due to microgravity, such as rotational movements, swimming in circles, and even swimming upside-down.
The collected water samples, fish eggs, and video recordings of the zebrafish’s spatial movements will be returned to Earth. Scientists will analyze this data to study how the space environment influences vertebrate development and behavior, providing valuable insights for future long-term space missions and the creation of sustainable life support systems.
This mission marks a significant step in China’s space exploration endeavors, contributing to global knowledge about life in space and the potential for sustaining ecosystems beyond Earth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
