Scientists in Beijing have received a significant batch of research samples from China’s Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s space exploration endeavors. The 31.5 kilograms of samples were delivered to the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Wednesday.
The samples originate from 23 scientific experiment projects and encompass 32 kinds of life experiment samples, including human bone cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, protein crystals, living organic molecules, and seeds. Additionally, 18 types of material samples, such as containerless materials, high-temperature materials, and extra-cabin exposure materials, were part of the delivery.
These life experiment samples were promptly transferred to the CAS center, arriving in Beijing approximately eight hours after the return capsule touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Scientists will conduct in-depth biological analyses, including transcriptome sequencing and proteomics detection, to explore cell biological mechanisms in a microgravity environment. The research aims to uncover new insights for disease prevention and intervention.
By diffracting proteins to obtain more accurate three-dimensional structures, researchers hope to study target proteins, providing technical support for drug and vaccine development.
The return capsule of the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship successfully landed at 5:46 p.m. Beijing Time on Tuesday, carrying astronauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin.
Following a six-month mission aboard China’s space station, the three-member crew arrived in Beijing by plane early Wednesday morning.
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Samples from China's Shenzhou-17 mission delivered to scientists
cgtn.com
