China unveils new round of space station life science experiments

China unveils new round of space station life science experiments
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 24, 2025

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has announced a new series of life science investigations to be conducted aboard the Tiangong space station during the Shenzhou XX crewed mission. The program includes novel biological studies involving zebra fish, planarians, and the soil bacterium Streptomyces.

For the first time, Chinese researchers will explore how planarians regenerate in space. Known for their exceptional ability to regrow organs, these flatworms could help scientists uncover fundamental insights into tissue regeneration under microgravity, with potential implications for treating injuries sustained during space travel.

"This project will enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of regeneration at the individual level and could provide insights into human health issues related to space-induced injuries," said CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang.

Building on the results of earlier missions involving zebra fish and fruit flies, the Shenzhou XX crew will revisit the zebra fish-hornwort co-cultivation ecosystem pioneered during Shenzhou XVIII. This time, the experiment will center on how protein balance in higher vertebrates is affected by microgravity, with a particular focus on bone loss and cardiovascular health.

In another key study, researchers will examine how Streptomyces responds to spaceflight conditions. These microbes, vital for maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and supporting plant growth, will be assessed for their expression of active compounds and enzymes. The goal is to identify new ways to harness microbial systems for future space-based biotechnologies.

Beyond life sciences, the Shenzhou XX mission will carry out an additional 59 experiments across fields such as microgravity physics and advanced space technology. Expected highlights include work on vascularized brain organoid chip development, research into soft matter dynamics outside of equilibrium, and efforts to produce high-temperature superconducting materials in space.

To date, China's orbiting laboratory has facilitated more than 200 scientific projects. CMSA reports that nearly 2 tonnes of research hardware and samples have been delivered to orbit, with close to 100 experiment samples already returned to Earth for analysis.

"Currently, we are conducting space science experiments according to plan, with all projects progressing smoothly," Lin said, adding that CMSA will continue to release updates, following its first report on the station's scientific achievements published in December 2024.

The launch of the Shenzhou XX spacecraft is scheduled for 5:17 pm Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China.