A Chinese astronaut opens the gate to the cargo ship on the China Space Station, January 19, 2024. /CMG
China's Shenzhou-17 crew opened the payload of the Tianzhou-7 cargo ship at 9:51 a.m. on Friday, after the ship docked with the China Space Station.
The three Chinese astronauts checked the integrity of the cargo ship before opening the payload according to safety rules.
The first piece of equipment for the astronauts was a scientific device for cell-related experiences, which was among the 61 pieces of scientific equipment onboard the cargo ship. The equipment will be involved in 33 experiments related to life science, material science, physics, among others.
Chinese astronauts check the payload of Tianzhou-7, China Space Station, January 19, 2024. /CMG
The Tianzhou-7 also carried 2.4 tonnes of daily necessities to the space station, which occupied over 40 percent of the payload's total weight.
The "household items" can cover the needs of both Shenzhou-17 and the coming Shenzhou-18 crews, including a special gift for the Chinese New Year.
A total of 90 kilograms of fresh vegetables and fruits were also delivered using a specially designed package to make them last longer than usual.