More than 160 days into their mission aboard China's space station Tiangong, the Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang have conducted various in-orbit experiments, facility maintenance, and health checks.
Last week, the crew used a space Raman spectrometer to analyze metabolic components in urine samples, which will aid in refining and improving indicators and criteria for astronauts' metabolite. The astronauts also collected and froze saliva samples to assist underground researchers in studies on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal function.
In line with their experimental plans involving bone metabolism, circadian rhythms and sleep, the crew collected blood samples, processed them using a centrifuge, and stored them for analysis. They also conducted multiple tests on metacognitive monitoring, emergency decision-making assessments, and evaluations of their emotional states using a laptop and related apps.
The team carried out planned experiments in microgravity physical sciences, and replaced samples in the fluid physics experimental cabinet, and burners and gas cylinders in the combustion cabinet as well. They also cleaned the containerless experimental chamber and maintained electrode mechanisms.
In addition, the astronauts checked and maintained low-temperature storage devices, application fluid loop pumps, and other facilities as scheduled, while organizing supplies within the cabin.
Meanwhile, the astronauts continued their health management by using a space treadmill and resistance bands for on-orbit exercise, actively countering the physiological effects of weightlessness.
The Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct 31, 2025, sending the three astronauts to the orbiting space station on a six-month mission.
China's Shenzhou-21 crew conducts space experiments
China's Shenzhou-21 crew conducts space experiments
China's Shenzhou-21 crew conducts space experiments
Israel's influence on the Trump administration outsizes the already significant sway it held over previous presidencies, contributing to miscalculations that ultimately led to strikes on Iran and putting the temporary ceasefire at risk, said a U.S. expert.
After about 40 days of deadly clashes, the United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, with Israel supporting the truce. However, the truce remains deeply fragile, especially as Israel continues to attack Lebanon, which Iran has called a violation of the ceasefire and threatened a strong response if it continues.
However, the power of the Israel lobby in the United States, especially over the Trump Administration, may weaken its ability to rein in Israeli military action, said Anton Fedyashin, an associate professor at American University.
"The Trump administration has no one but itself to blame. Although it is acting in a very important context, which is the general, enormous influence of the Israeli government over all American administrations, except that under Trump, this influence of course is greater than ever before. Israel has a very powerful lobby in the United States. This is absolutely no secret; not only articles, but very good books have been written about this," he said in an interview with China Global Television Network.
Fedyashin said this influence, combined with poor intelligence, contributed to what he described as a misjudgment that Iran's government would easily fall.
"The problem is that while previous presidents have managed to somehow resist that lobby, Donald Trump seems to have completely fallen for Benjamin Netanyahu's case to convince him that the attack on Iran will be lightning fast, will achieve results very quickly. And this becomes a very important question about the quality of Mossad information, because along with Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House meeting, which happened on February 11, at least according to New York Times, was the head of the Israeli Mossad, and both Netanyahu and the head of Mossad were convincing Trump that Iran's government is on its last legs, that all it needs is a slight push, and that was a catastrophic misjudgment," he said.
US influence over Israel limited as attacks on Lebanon threaten to shatter ceasefire: expert
