China has released its first comprehensive report on the scientific research and applications carried out aboard its space station since its completion last year. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Monday that the report highlights 34 significant achievements made since the station became fully operational on December 31, 2022.
The groundbreaking results span various fields, including space life sciences, microgravity physics, and new space technologies. Among the 34 achievements, 13 are related to space life and human research, 12 pertain to microgravity physical science, and nine involve advancements in new space technology and applications.
The report outlines several world firsts achieved by Chinese scientists. These include the development of the first germplasm resources of rice and ratoon rice in space, and the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem and precursor cells in the microgravity environment of space. Additionally, the world’s first cold atom interference gyroscope was successfully tested in space microgravity conditions. Other notable achievements include the creation of the first high-throughput in-orbit microbial control test platform and maintaining the longest-running water ecosystem in orbit.
These accomplishments are the result of 181 scientific and application projects implemented aboard the space station as of December 1, 2024. The extensive research efforts have involved sending nearly two tonnes of scientific materials to the station, bringing back approximately 100 types of experimental samples to Earth, and generating over 300 terabytes of scientific data.
The collective efforts of 63 scientific research teams across China have led to these impressive milestones. To date, more than 500 high-level papers have been published in Science Citation Index (SCI) journals, and over 150 patents have been obtained, reflecting the significant contributions of Chinese scientists to space exploration and research.
Looking ahead, the CMSA announced that over 1,000 research projects are planned for the space station in the next 10 to 15 years. These projects aim to further scientific discovery, promote international cooperation, and enhance public engagement with space science.
Since entering its application and development stage on December 31, 2022, China’s space station has operated smoothly, successfully completing multiple manned missions. This includes four manned flight missions, three cargo supply missions, and four spacecraft reentry missions. Five groups of Chinese taikonauts have lived or are currently residing on the space station, collectively conducting 10 extravehicular activities.
In a move that underscores China’s ongoing commitment to space exploration, candidates for the fourth cohort of Chinese taikonauts have been confirmed, paving the way for future missions and sustained advancements in space science.
Reference(s):
China releases first report on space station research and application
cgtn.com
