The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's Tiangong space station have been steadily advancing a series of scientific experiments, equipment maintenance, and health routines over the past week, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
In the field of space medicine, the three astronauts used laptops and specialized software to complete fine motor control and metacognitive monitoring experiments. They also collected data with electroencephalograms -- devices that measure electrical activity in the brain -- for studies on visual-motion processing and cognition in microgravity, supporting ongoing research on Earth.
The crew harvested and stored lettuce grown on board, before beginning a new round of cultivation of other plants.
They also continued to carry out experiments in microgravity physics.
In terms of station maintenance, the crew completed the replacement of ignition heads and burners in the combustion facility, samples in the container-free facility, and window lens covers on an axial mechanism.
A scheduled full-system pressure emergency drill was also carried out, simulating a cabin depressurization scenario. The drill strengthened the crew's emergency response skills and coordination with ground teams.
The astronauts inspected and maintained low-temperature storage equipment, transferring samples from a minus 80 degrees Celsius freezer to a newly installed space refrigerator, and performed routine checks including condensate cleaning.
They also carried out maintenance on directional cameras in the Wentian lab module and tested onboard laptops.
For health management, the crew conducted cardiopulmonary fitness tests, exercised regularly, and used neuromuscular stimulation devices to counteract muscle atrophy in microgravity.
Chinese astronauts conduct experiments in neuroscience, botany aboard Tiangong Space Station
Chinese astronauts conduct experiments in neuroscience, botany aboard Tiangong Space Station
