Life and science in orbit: China's Shenzhou-23 crew continues busy work

While people on Earth enjoy the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, China's Shenzhen-23 crew – Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying (also known as Lai Ka-ying) – remain busy working at the space station at an altitude of more than 400 kilometers.

During the past week, the Shenzhou-23 crew carried out a series of scientific experiments across multiple disciplines.

They used the space-based Raman spectrometer for their research on microbiome and nutritional metabolism, analyzing metabolites in urine samples to study how the gut microbiome changes during long-duration spaceflight and how it affects nutrient metabolism.

The trio also conducted behavioral experiments in visual motion processing and microgravity intuitive physics to explore how gravity influences visual information processing and the mechanisms behind the impacts of long-duration flight on intuitive physical perception and its recovery.

In addition, the astronauts carried out studies on in-orbit emotional recognition and evaluation, as well as testing of emergency decision-making capabilities, to understand the changing rules of emotional states and emergency response abilities.

Besides scientific experiments, the crew also performed maintenance tasks, including replacing experimental samples in fluid cabinets, disassembling and reassembling phase-two experiment modules, installing the infrared thermal imaging device, and processing downlink samples related to space-based symbiotic research on aquatic organisms and plants.

First in-orbit medical rescue training

Last week, the crew carried out their first in-orbit medical emergency training since entering orbit, focusing on adapting rescue procedures and force application techniques to a microgravity environment.

On the station's platform systems, they measured cabin airflow, temperature and air cleanliness, collected microbiological samples, inspected and maintained regenerative life-support systems, checked low-temperature storage equipment, and replaced a door in the core module's sleeping compartments.

For health management, the astronauts completed vision, intraocular pressure and fundus examinations. They also used a bone-loss countermeasure device for protective exercises.