On Monday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) released the first comprehensive report on the scientific research and applications conducted aboard China’s space station. Since its full completion on December 31, 2022, the space station has achieved 34 significant results, marking a new chapter in China’s space exploration.
The report highlights 13 breakthroughs in space life and human research, 12 in microgravity physical science, and nine in new space technology and applications. These achievements include multiple world records, such as:
- The first development of germplasm resources of rice and ratoon rice in space.
- The first differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem and precursor cells in space.
- The world’s first cold atom interference gyroscope operating in space microgravity.
- The first high-throughput in-orbit microbial control test platform.
- The longest-running water ecosystem experiment conducted in orbit.
These groundbreaking accomplishments stem from 181 scientific and application projects implemented aboard the space station as of December 1, 2024.
The research involved nearly two tonnes of scientific materials sent to the station, approximately 100 types of experimental samples returned to Earth, and the collection of over 300 terabytes of scientific data.
More than 63 scientific research teams across China contributed to these achievements, resulting in 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 carry out over 1,000 research projects in the next 10 to 15 years. These endeavors will include active scientific popularization and international cooperation, furthering humanity’s understanding of space.
Since entering the application and development stage on December 31, 2022, China’s space station has been operating smoothly, completing multiple manned missions. These missions include four manned flights, three cargo supply missions, and four spacecraft reentry missions.
To date, five trios of Chinese taikonauts have resided or are currently residing in the space station, conducting 10 extravehicular activities. The candidates for the fourth cohort of Chinese taikonauts have been confirmed, promising continued progress in China’s manned space exploration.
Reference(s):
China releases first report on space station research and application
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