The ongoing Shenzhou-20 mission at China's Tiangong space station continued to make steady progress over the past week, with the three-membered crew in excellent health and various scientific experiments proceeding as planned, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, who were sent into space on April 25, carried out various medical tests and scientific experiments during the productive week, the agency said.
Using devices such as vision measuring machines and eye trackers, and related software, they conducted tests for various projects, including trust and coordination mechanism, the representation of visual and gravitational motion, metacognitive monitoring research, and relationship cognition in microgravity, providing data for further studies on the ground.
Besides, the crew conducted vascular ultrasound examination to obtain hemodynamic data for related studies of the impact of different on-orbit times on their stay in space.
They carried out memory, strength and heavy object tests for studies on the changing patterns and cognitive mechanisms of fine motor control in microgravity environment.
The astronauts also advanced the research exploring the effect mechanism of space microgravity on microorganisms through studies on streptomyces in the biotechnology experiment cabinet.
They collected liquid culture samples and froze them for storage and further steps on the ground.
For physics experiments, the crew replaced the sample cover for experimental insert in the combustion cabinet and cleaned the containerless material experiment rack.
Meanwhile, the crew underwent traditional Chinese medical examinations, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) examination, and dynamic ECG and blood pressure monitoring over the past week.
They have actively engaged in physical exercise and properly used instruments to counteract the physiological effects of weightlessness, according to the agency.
Shenzhou-20 crew advances mission during productive week
Shenzhou-20 crew advances mission during productive week
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
