Photo: CCTV

The Shenzhou-20 crew members, currently aboard China's space station, have completed a series of experiments within one month of their arrival on April 25, including starting China's first space-based regenerative biology research using flatworms, according to CCTV News.

Upon entering China's space station, the Shenzhou-20 crew first familiarized themselves with the environment and conducted a "space shift handover" with the Shenzhou-19 crew. The transfer included key operational details such as spacecraft status settings, on-orbit inventory management and progress updates on ongoing experiments.

Later, the crew installed a space debris protection device on the radial hatch of the core module's node cabin, enhancing shielding against micrometeoroid impacts. In space life sciences, they initiated a pioneering experiment studying the effects and mechanisms of microgravity and radiation on planarian regeneration, marking China's first space-based regenerative biology research using flatworms.

Inside the Wentian lab module, the crew observed samples in the biotechnology experiment cabinet and collected solid culture specimens. The retrieved data and returned samples will aid researchers in analyzing microbial behaviors in cell tissue cultures.

For space medicine experiments, the crew transferred cell culture units to the human research cabinet's medical sample processing device for incubation. They also conducted periodic manual observations and preservation to support studies on cellular growth, differentiation and function in microgravity.

Maintenance operations included servicing the regenerative life support system, water dispenser and space treadmill, alongside cabin cleaning and cargo reorganization.

The astronauts underwent routine health monitoring, including auditory tests, ultrasounds, dynamic ECG/blood pressure measurements and cardiopulmonary function checks, providing real-time health data to ground teams. Additionally, the crew inspected and maintained all three extravehicular spacesuits and prepped associated equipment for future spacewalks.

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 22, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronaut Chen Dong performing extravehicular activities outside China's orbiting space station. The Shenzhou-20 crew on board China's orbiting space station completed their mission's first series of extravehicular activities on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. (Xinhua/Li Yanchen)

On Thursday, the Shenzhou-20 crew completed their mission's first extravehicular activities on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
 
Global Times