China has unveiled its first comprehensive report on scientific research and applications aboard its space station, highlighting 34 groundbreaking achievements since the station’s completion on December 31, 2022.
Released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Monday, the report showcases significant progress in various fields, including space life and human research, microgravity physical science, and new space technology applications.
Among the 34 highlighted results, 13 are related to space life and human research, 12 focus on microgravity physical sciences, and nine pertain to innovative space technologies. These achievements include multiple world records, such as the development of the first germplasm resources of rice and ratoon rice in space, and the first successful differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem/precursor cells in microgravity.
The report also details the world’s first cold atom interference gyroscope operating in space microgravity, the establishment of the first high-throughput in-orbit microbial control test platform, and the longest-running water ecosystem experiment conducted in orbit.
These pioneering accomplishments are based on 181 scientific and application projects implemented aboard China’s space station as of December 1, 2024. The extensive research involved nearly two tonnes of scientific materials transported to the station, the return of around 100 types of experimental samples to Earth, and the collection of more than 300 terabytes of scientific data.
The successful outcomes are the result of collaborative efforts by 63 scientific research teams across the country, leading to the publication of over 500 high-level SCI papers and the acquisition of more than 150 patents.
Looking ahead, the CMSA announced that the space station will undertake more than 1,000 research projects over the next 10 to 15 years. The agency emphasized the importance of scientific exploration, technological development, and international cooperation, as well as the active implementation of science popularization initiatives.
Since entering the application and development stage on December 31, 2022, China’s space station has been operating smoothly, successfully completing multiple manned missions. These include four manned flight missions, three cargo supply missions, and four spacecraft reentry missions.
Five groups of Chinese taikonauts have stayed or are currently residing on the space station, conducting a total of 10 extravehicular activities to date. The candidates for the fourth cohort of Chinese taikonauts have also been confirmed, signaling a continuous commitment to advancing space exploration.
China’s advancements in space research not only mark significant milestones for the nation but also contribute to global scientific knowledge. The country’s dedication to fostering international collaboration opens new opportunities for collective progress in the realm of space exploration.
Reference(s):
China releases first report on space station research and application
cgtn.com
