Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's Tiangong space station have continued to carry out various tasks over the past week, proceeding with experiments in aerospace medicine, smart robots and microgravity and completing maintenance on multiple devices.

The three astronauts - Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie - smoothly advanced aerospace medical experiments including research on the upper and lower visual fields.

The crew completed the behavioral test using relevant equipment and software. The obtained data will be used to explore the influence of the microgravity environment, and the changes in the focus of attention on the asymmetry of astronauts' upper and lower visual fields and the related neural mechanism, providing a reference for the subsequent mission procedures and human-computer interaction design.

The crew utilized a Raman spectrometer to conduct experiments on microbiota and nutrition metabolism. By detecting the metabolic components in urine samples, they further revised and improved the relevant characteristic metabolite index system and assessment criteria. These samples will be used in experiments investigating interactive regulation of bone metabolism and other studies on the earth.

Meanwhile, tests on the collaboration between astronauts and China's first intelligent spaceflight robot, Xiao Hang, were also ongoing to explore efficient collaboration methods through experiments on human-robot spatial relationships, robot behavior representation, and multimodal interaction technologies.

In addition, research related to microgravity combustion science continued.

The crew also completed as planned the in-depth maintenance of the microgravity resistance training equipment, the inspection and maintenance of the regenerative life support system equipment, the maintenance of the thermal control equipment, and the replacement of circulation pumps of fluid loop system for space applications.

Meanwhile, the three astronauts counted, confirmed, sorted and transferred the supplies, and cleaned the station regularly.

Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

Shenzhou-20 crew proceed with experiments, equipment maintenance

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that his country and China can build a mutually beneficial relationship amidst competitions.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7. It will be Lee's first visit to China since he took office in June 2025.

In an interview with the China Media Group (CMG) in Seoul, capital of the ROK, on Wednesday, Lee said that the ROK and China both place great importance on the development of high-tech fields, and this inevitably creates competitions between the two countries, but will also presents ample cooperation opportunities for both sides.

"To my knowledge, the Chinese government has made tremendous efforts in high-tech investment, research and development investment, and the talent cultivation in the field of basic research, just as the ROK has done. From this perspective, the ROK and China share similarities in economic growth strategies, which certainly creates competitions between the two countries, but it also presents broad cooperation opportunities for both sides. I believe that if we can explore areas for cooperation amid competitions and enhance our respective strengths through cooperation, we can build a mutually beneficial relationship that not only supports China's sustainable development strategy but also promotes ROK's growth strategy," Lee said.

ROK president eyes mutually beneficial relationship with China amid competitions