The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft returned to Earth on November 15, 2025, carrying not only its crew but also pioneering 'mice astronauts' that spent nearly two weeks aboard China's space station – doubling their original mission duration. Launched on October 31, the rodents underwent immediate post-landing analysis, with scientists examining behavioral patterns and critical physiological markers to assess space adaptation.
New Frontiers for Life Sciences
This experiment marks China's first successful long-term mammalian study in orbit, providing crucial data for future human deep-space exploration. The return capsule also delivered combustion experiment samples and advanced material science payloads, underscoring the mission's multidisciplinary scientific value.
Global Implications
Researchers worldwide anticipate these findings could revolutionize understanding of biological responses to microgravity, particularly regarding muscle atrophy and bone density loss. The mission's success strengthens international confidence in China's growing capabilities in space biotechnology and life support systems development.
