Shenzhou-18 crew prepares for material extravehicular exposure experiments

The Shenzhou-18 astronaut crew onboard China's Tiangong space station has completed the assembly, testing and second extravehicular installation of the facilities for material exposure experiments.

The China Manned Space Agency on Saturday released a video of the astronauts' work over the past week, showing them installing experimental facilities, conducing medical trainings, and performing daily fitness activities.

The three Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu were sent to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission on April 25.

The video showed the astronauts assembling and testing the tribology experiment box for solid-liquid compound lubrication, which is one of the major facilities for their scientific research task.

With this experiment box, a project will be carried out to try to realize "super-lubrication" or zero-wear in mechanical movement in the harsh space environment, and to scientifically reveal the evolution process of lubrication and the damage mechanism of lubricating materials in the real space environment.

In addition, the three astronauts also replaced samples in the experiment cavity of the containerless material laboratory cabinet and maintained the axial mechanism.

Previously, a number of key research projects had been carried out in the containerless cabinet, and many batches of experimental samples had been brought back to Earth for further tests and researches.

While carrying out scientific experiments and maintenance of experimental devices as planned, the three astronauts also completed a number of tasks including environmental monitoring of the space station and on-orbit training for medical rescue.

On-orbit medical check is key to ensure the health and safety of astronauts. Since entering orbit more than half a month ago, the crew has carried out various medical checks such as mass measurement and intraocular pressure and funduscopic examination.

The advanced medical system based on the space station, which includes traditional Chinese medical four-diagnostic auxiliary apparatus and modern medical technologies, has provided the astronauts with more accurate health management, and help ground researchers monitor the astronauts' physical conditions.

Astronauts in space face a series of physiological challenges brought about by the microgravity environment, including changes in the cardiovascular system, muscle atrophy and bone density loss. The Shenzhou-18 astronauts have performed regular weightlessness protection exercises, such as treadmill training and resistance training, so as to maintain good physical condition for the half-year mission.

Shenzhou-18 crew prepares for material extravehicular exposure experiments

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth