Beijing, December 1, 2024 — The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has released its first comprehensive report detailing significant scientific research and applications conducted aboard its space station since its full completion on December 31, 2022.
The report highlights 34 groundbreaking results spanning various fields, including space life sciences, microgravity physics, and advanced space technologies. Among these achievements are 13 findings related to space life and human research, 12 in microgravity physical sciences, and nine in new space technology and application research.
Some of the notable accomplishments include the development of the first germplasm resources of rice and ratoon rice in space, marking a milestone in agricultural science. Additionally, Chinese scientists successfully differentiated human embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem and precursor cells in the microgravity environment of space, a world-first achievement that holds promise for regenerative medicine.
The CMSA report also showcases the world’s first cold atom interference gyroscope operating in space microgravity, the first high-throughput in-orbit microbial control test platform, and the longest-running water ecosystem in orbit. These innovations contribute to our understanding of fundamental physics and sustainable life support systems in space.
Since the space station’s full operation, China has implemented 181 scientific and application projects, involving nearly two tonnes of scientific materials delivered to the station and over 100 types of experimental samples returned to Earth. The research has generated more than 300 terabytes of scientific data.
The collective efforts of 63 scientific research teams across the country have led to the publication of over 500 high-level papers in Science Citation Index (SCI) journals and the acquisition of more than 150 patents.
Looking ahead, the CMSA plans to conduct more than 1,000 research projects over the next 10 to 15 years. The agency emphasizes the importance of scientific popularization and international cooperation in its future endeavors, aiming to advance human understanding of space and foster global collaboration.
Since entering the application and development stage, China’s space station has been operating smoothly, completing multiple manned missions. These include four manned flight missions, three cargo supply missions, and four spacecraft reentry missions. To date, five groups of Chinese taikonauts have stayed or are currently staying aboard the space station, conducting 10 extravehicular activities.
The CMSA also announced that candidates for the fourth cohort of Chinese taikonauts have been confirmed, signaling the nation’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in space.
China’s advancements in space exploration not only demonstrate its growing capabilities but also contribute significantly to global scientific knowledge and the peaceful use of outer space.
Reference(s):
China releases first report on space station research and application
cgtn.com
