Shenzhou-21 crew smoothly push for experiments in multiple fields

Almost two months into their mission, the Shenzhou-21 crew have been smoothly pushing for experiments in multiple domains aboard China's Tiangong space station.

China launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceship on Nov 1, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station on a six-month mission.

The Shenzhou-21 crew consists of mission commander Zhang Lu, and astronauts Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang. These three astronauts serve as space pilot, flight engineer and payload specialist, respectively, representing all three categories of Chinese astronauts currently being applied in the country's space endeavors.

In the field of aerospace medicine experiments, the three astronauts used electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment to acquire data needed for experimental projects such as metacognitive monitoring research and group brain cognition-emotion analysis and regulation, assisting the ground-based researchers in their ongoing research.

In Wentian lab module, the trio used the science glove box to collect samples of Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant that will help in research on the molecular network regulation of plant stem cells.

In the field of microgravity physics, the crew completed the disassembly and assembly of the complex fluid experiment module in the fluid physics experimental cabinet and replaced the experimental samples according to the experimental plan.

The crew members replaced the sampling cover of the plug-in gas experiment in the combustion experimental cabinet, and carried out the cleaning and replacement of the sample in the containerless cabinet experimental chamber and the maintenance of the electrodes of the axial mechanism.

The mission crew also launched the project in-situ electrochemical optical research of lithium-ion batteries for space applications, which will give full play to the professional advantages of payload expert Zhang to acquire images of the entire process of lithium dendrite growth.

Furthermore, the three astronauts underwent medical examinations such as bone density measurement, electrocardiogram and blood pressure checks, and visual function measurement to comprehensively understand their on-orbit health status.

Shenzhou-21 crew smoothly push for experiments in multiple fields

Shenzhou-21 crew smoothly push for experiments in multiple fields

Shenzhou-21 crew smoothly push for experiments in multiple fields

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.

Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.

Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.

Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.

Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.

Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.

Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end