Shenzhou-23 crew conduct space science experiments, in-orbit trainings

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Sunday released its weekly update on the Shenzhou-23 mission, reporting that the crew continued to conduct scientific research and platform maintenance aboard the Tiangong space station.

Nearly five months into their mission, the three astronauts -- Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying -- have steadily advanced space science and experiment tasks including experiments in microgravity physical science.

Last week, the crew replaced and processed experimental samples within the high-temperature materials experiment cabinet according to schedule.

In-orbit rendezvous and docking training was also carried out, during which the three astronauts completed image recognition exercises under various initial conditions using a metacognitive training system.

Additionally, the trio studied the spaceflight handbook and crew-equipment operating guidelines as planned.

For space-station maintenance, the crew conducted routine inspections and servicing of the regenerative environmental control and life-support system and related equipment. They also took inventory of medical supplies, organized materials and cleaned the interior of the cabinet.

The astronauts also exercised using equipment such as a bone-loss countermeasure device and a neuromuscular stimulator to mitigate the physiological effects of weightlessness.

The three astronauts were sent into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft on May 24.

Shenzhou-23 crew conduct space science experiments, in-orbit trainings

Iran's nuclear chief vowed on Sunday that the country will not give up the nuclear technology it has mastered under foreign pressures, and that no law allows any foreign country to deprive the Islamic Republic of that technology, the Iranian official news agency IRNA reported.

Mohammad Eslami, director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, was speaking at an international conference "Ecocide: The Silent War Crime" held in Tehran, the report said.

Eslami criticized the United States for applying double standards on nuclear technology, questioning why Washington prioritizes expanding its own nuclear capabilities while seeking to deny Iran access to the technology, IRNA said.

He added that Iran would "continue pursuing its plan to generate 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity, despite wartime pressures," according to the report.

He also claimed that Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant ranks among the world's top 10 in terms of safety and efficiency.

The comments came after U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview on Oct 5 that Iran must "substantially" reduce its uranium enrichment capacity to meet Washington's demands and bring an end to the conflict.

In response, Eslami said U.S. threats are "nothing new."

Iran vows not to abandon nuclear technology under foreign pressures