Shenzhou-19 crew conduct scientific experiments in first month of mission

China's Shenzhou-19 crew aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station has carried out a series of space experiments and performed equipment maintenance in the first month of their space mission.

China launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship on Oct 30, sending three astronauts -- including the country's first female space engineer -- to its space station for a six-month mission.

During their stay in space, the Shenzhou-19 crew is set to carry out a total of 86 space science research and technology experiments, covering areas such as space life science and space medicine.

Last week, in the Wentian experimental cabin, multiple experiments in the scientific experiment cabinet were carried out simultaneously. The astronauts completed the operation and disposal of experiments such as "coordinated and efficient protein crystallization experiment" and tissue and cell culture. In the life ecology experiment cabinet, the astronauts carried out operations such as the transfer and collection of fruit flies as well as the replacement of gas purification component.

In the field of aerospace medical research, the crew conducted in-orbit research on the impact and mechanism of microgravity environment on relationship cognition. The astronauts used platform EEG equipment, eye trackers, and laptops to conduct EEG and behavioral experiments, and obtain EEG and eye movement data, to reveal human cognition laws of relationships in the microgravity environment in space and their neural basis.

In terms of cytological research, the astronauts have regularly taken out the cell experimental units in the human system research cabinet and used medical sample microscopic observation and recording devices to observe cell microscopic imaging. For the cells that have been cultured and observed, the samples were recovered and cryogenically frozen.

Last week, the Chinese space station launched a new round of material extravehicular exposure experiments. In close cooperation with ground personnel, the Shenzhou-19 crew completed the extravehicular installation of the experimental device.

Meanwhile, the astronauts also used related instrument to monitor indicators such as temperature and humidity in the cabin and conducted regular equipment inspection and maintenance.

In addition, the crew also carried out extravehicular space suit battery testing and inspection testing in orbit.

Shenzhou-19 crew conduct scientific experiments in first month of mission

Shenzhou-19 crew conduct scientific experiments in first month of mission

Shenzhou-19 crew conduct scientific experiments in first month of mission

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is creating the worst energy crisis the world has ever faced, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol said on Tuesday.

Birol said the energy crisis, resulting from shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz coupled with the fuel and natural gas supply issues brought about by the Ukraine crisis, has already had a huge impact globally.

Europe may have only about six weeks of jet fuel remaining if current supply disruptions persist, Birol warned on April 16.

In March, the IEA agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles to combat rising oil prices caused by the war in Iran.

Approximately 20 percent of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas pass through the Strait of Hormuz during peacetime. Maritime traffic in the Hormuz has been severely disrupted since the U.S-Israeli strikes against Iran started at the end of February, sparking turbulence in global energy markets.

U.S.-Iran war creating worst energy crisis in history: IEA chief