China's Qingzhou cargo spacecraft test vehicle releases new achievements, expected for 2027 launch

China's Qingzhou cargo spacecraft test vehicle on Monday released the second batch of results from its in-orbit experiments, demonstrating significant advancements in space precision detection, cost-effective space operations, future space medicine and space biology.

The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS), which spearheaded the development of the test vehicle, said the latest achievements will provide crucial technical support for the application of new space technologies, the safe operation of China's space station and the utilization of space resources.

To reduce the costs of space operations, an improved steam-compression space refrigerator successfully overcame the challenges of gas-liquid separation and stable operation in microgravity, offering a cost-effective solution for cold chain transport. Additionally, a space rescue and maintenance diagnostic camera has completed its in-orbit performance verification and is operating smoothly.

Multiple space medicine and biology experiments completed

In support of future space medical care, an electromyography testing device equipped with a self-developed neural chip successfully verified the continuous acquisition and real-time transmission of weak muscle signals in orbit. A handheld blood cell analyzer was also tested, providing key technical support for real-time health assessments for astronauts without relying on large-scale medical equipment or ground guidance.

In the field of space biology, an industrial-grade, low-cost biological support cabin successfully completed its maiden in-orbit test, establishing a standardized and reusable platform for space life science experiments. The test vehicle also verified the survival of Syntrichia caninervis, an extremophile moss known for its exceptional tolerance to environmental stress, under harsh conditions including microgravity, radiation and drought, providing theoretical support for future extraterrestrial ecological improvement.

Flight model scheduled for 2027 launch

Launched on March 30 with a design lifespan of three years, the 4.2-tonne test vehicle features a integrated single-cabin design. Its main sealed cabin offers a total volume of about 27 cubic meters and accommodates 40 cargo slots for astronauts' supplies and scientific payloads. The vehicle released the first batch of in-orbit test results on April 15.

Following a series of critical technology tests, the first formal Qingzhou cargo spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2027 to provide uplink cargo transport services for China's space station.

The test flight is designed to pave the way for in-orbit verification of the flight model while validating key technologies, including the pressurized module and propulsion systems, said Chang Liang, chief designer of the Qingzhou cargo spacecraft at the IAMCAS.

Chang said the formal Qingzhou spacecraft is expected to launch in early 2027 and dock with the space station. It will complement the country's Tianzhou cargo spacecraft by undertaking missions such as relatively low-cost cargo transport. 

Development of the flight model is proceeding steadily, added Chang.

(With input from Xinhua)