The Shenzhou-19 astronauts aboard the China Space Station have been diligently conducting a series of scientific experiments and training exercises, as reported by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) last week.
In a recently released video by CMSA, astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze were seen actively engaged in the space station's core module, Tianhe, where they have been residing for nearly four months.
One of the key areas of research involves studying the effects of exercise on muscles and bones in a microgravity environment. The crew has been collecting data on plantar pressure, joint movements, and muscle parameters during various running and resistance exercises. This research aims to shed light on muscle-tendon interactions during extended space missions.
Additionally, the astronauts have been performing vascular ultrasound examinations to investigate blood flow patterns in the weightless conditions of space. By analyzing the morphological characteristics and hemodynamic parameters of multiple organs over different orbital periods, researchers hope to understand how spaceflight impacts the human vascular system.
Eye health is another critical focus area. The crew has undergone a series of eye tests using advanced equipment to study changes in visual function during prolonged space missions. The findings will contribute to developing strategies to maintain astronauts' eye health during long-duration flights.
Beyond human health experiments, the Shenzhou-19 crew has been conducting several physics-related tasks. These include reconfiguring equipment in the fluid physics rack and replacing burners in the combustion science rack, which are essential for understanding fluid dynamics and combustion processes in space.
Training exercises have also been a significant part of the mission. The astronauts are preparing for future rendezvous and docking missions while performing maintenance on crucial experiment equipment and life support systems to ensure the station's operational efficiency.
The Shenzhou-19 mission commenced on October 30 last year, marking the crew's entry into the orbiting space station for a six-month journey. Their mission encompasses 86 space science research and technology experiments, highlighting the mission's extensive scientific objectives.
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Shenzhou-19 crew conducts scientific experiments, training in space
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