Last week, the Shenzhou-21 crew—Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang— rocked orbit with a full lineup of science experiments and critical drills aboard the Chinese mainland's space station. 🚀✨
They kicked things off with a microgravity intuitive-physics experiment using onboard laptops. By tracking movements and reactions in zero-g, scientists can better understand how long-term spaceflight tweaks our innate sense of physics and how our bodies bounce back.
Next up, the crew harnessed a Raman spectrometer to analyze urine samples. This light-based tool breaks down metabolic markers at the molecular level, helping refine biomarker systems for astronaut health monitoring. They also installed fresh software for upcoming space-medicine studies.
On the physical-sciences front, astronauts replaced the high-speed image storage unit in a two-phase systems experiment cabinet and tackled a full teardown and reassembly of an experimental module—think of it as high-stakes sci-fi Lego skills! 🛠️
Safety first: the team ran their first full-system pressure emergency drill, simulating cabin depressurization. This live-fire exercise sharpened in-orbit response moves and ground-control coordination—crucial for any deep-space mission.
Routine maintenance stayed on point too. The crew inspected low-temperature storage units and the -80°C space freezer, checked environmental-control gas cylinders, and fine-tuned life-support gear to keep the habitat in tip-top shape.
Life in orbit also means station management: they organized supplies, cleaned cabins, and maintained a safe, orderly living space. Plus, non-invasive cardiac tests sent real-time heart-data down to researchers, ensuring crew health stays in check.
With these experiments and drills, Shenzhou-21 is powering up the next wave of space science. For young tech enthusiasts across South Asia and Southeast Asia, this mission is your front-row ticket to the future of human space exploration. Stay tuned for the next orbit! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
