The report details advances in space life and human research, physical sciences in microgravity, and new space technologies and applications.
China released its 1st report on Monday (Dec 30, 2024) detailing the progress made in scientific research and applications related to the country’s space station in the last 2 years. CMSA (China Manned Space Agency), which compiled the report with a view to “marking the two-year anniversary of the complete establishment of the space station”said the document will be released annually based on the progress of ongoing space missions.
The report focuses on areas such as space life and human research, physical sciences in microgravity, and new space technologies and applications.
The text highlights 34 representative scientific research and application results selected from previously returned samples, research data, in-orbit experiments, and notable progress in scientific and application projects, as well as various science promotion activities, showcasing the capabilities and China’s innovative spirit in the field of space technology, according to the CMSA.
Of the results, 13 are related to space life and human research, 12 are related to physical scientific research in microgravity, and nine are related to new space technology and applications research.
The initial batch of space science experiments, application projects and technology tests aboard the space station progressed smoothly, producing important results, CMSA noted.
As of December 1, a total of 181 scientific and application projects have been carried out in orbit, with nearly two tons of scientific materials delivered and nearly 100 types of experimental samples returned, generating more than 300 terabytes of scientific data.
Notable achievements include the world’s first rice germplasm and rice ratoon resources developed in space and the first human embryonic stem cells differentiated into hematopoietic stem/precursor cells in space.
China’s space station entered its application and development stage on December 31, 2022. It currently operates stably and demonstrates significant effectiveness, according to the CMSA.
In the past 2 years, China has organized 4 manned flights, 3 cargo resupply missions and 4 spacecraft return tasks. Five astronaut crews, totaling 15 astronauts, performed long stays in orbit, completing 10 extravehicular activities and several payload operations outside the capsule.
Several extravehicular servicing missions were also flown, including a mission that set the world record for the duration of a single extravehicular activity in space.
China has completed the selection of its fourth group of astronaut candidates, which includes two payload experts from Hong Kong and Macau, and has begun developing a low-cost payload transport system.
These results represent the contributions of 63 scientific research teams from across the country, who have collectively published more than 500 high-level SCI articles and obtained more than 150 patents.
The CMSA report noted that plans for the space station, envisioned by it as a national space laboratory, include more than 1,000 research projects to be carried out over the next 10 to 15 years. These projects will promote scientific outreach and international cooperation, while fostering collaboration between high-level scientific teams, both in the country and around the world.
With information from Xinhua.
