Shenzhou-23 crew carry out experiments in life sciences, microgravity physics, space tech

China's Shenzhou-23 spacecraft crew have carried out an extensive suite of scientific experiments three weeks into their deployment aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station.

The three astronauts -- mission commander Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Lai Ka-ying -- arrived at the space station on May 25, just hours after launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Over the past three weeks, the crew have conducted experiments in areas including life sciences, materials science, microgravity fluid physics, aerospace medicine and new space technologies.

Last week, they carried out cytological research, completing the observation, recovery, and preservation of cellular samples.

They utilized the station's specialized scientific glovebox to collect samples for a study on how space biological phase separation impacts lipid metabolism.

Scientists hope the experiment will clarify the molecular mechanisms driving liver cell metabolism under microgravity conditions, potentially offering a therapeutic target to prevent fatty liver disease during long-duration space flights.

The crew have also completed the fourth extravehicular installation of the space radiation biology exposure experiment device.

They placed three sample types -- artificial enzymes, bacteria, and plant seeds -- in open space for five-month exposure tests. These tests aim to study the origin of life catalysts, microbial adaptive evolution, and genetic variation in higher plants to determine impacts of cosmic radiation.

In addition to scientific research, the crew have completed their first full-system emergency pressure drill since docking.

The exercise simulated internal pressure loss in the space station and the emergency response process to enhance the astronauts' ability to handle unexpected situations.

The crew have also conducted routine station maintenance, including sorting delivered cargo, inspecting emergency equipment, and conducting cabin environment cleanups. Environmental monitoring was also performed, with the astronauts using specialized meters and personal dosimeters to measure acoustic and noise levels within the space station.

Shenzhou-23 crew carry out experiments in life sciences, microgravity physics, space tech

China's national railway network shipped 1.67 billion tons of cargo from January to May in 2026, up 1.8 percent year-on-year, with single-day loading volume reaching a record high, the country's railway operator said Sunday.

The daily loading volume was averaged at 186,300 cars, up 2.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the latest data released by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway).

On May 2, a single-day loading record was set with 202,400 cars, China Railway said.

Transportation of key materials remained strong and well-supported. Last month, railway departments opened green channels for fertilizers to ensure timely deliveries and avoid disruptions to farming activities.

"During the summer planting season, our station has established close daily communication mechanisms with fertilizer enterprises. We have made detailed measures on boxcar resources, vehicle turnover, and train operations to achieve faster loading and transport, ensuring fertilizers reach farmlands in a timely manner," said Shi Xi, an official of Zhijiang Railway Station of China Railway Wuhan Group.

From January to May, national railways transported 48.81 million tons of grain, up 11.9 percent year on year.

Meanwhile, 870 million tons of coal were delivered to ensure coal supplies for the peak summer electricity demand period.

China's railway cargo transportation volume increases in January-May period