China
2026.08.09 19:06 GMT+8

Shenzhou-23 crew keeps full schedule as robot Xiaohang continues learning in orbit

Updated 2026.08.09 19:06 GMT+8
CGTN

Three Chinese astronauts use an ultrasound device to examine muscles. /China Manned Space Agency

The three astronauts aboard China's space station – Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Lai Ka-ying (Li Jiaying) – have maintained a packed schedule over the past week, advancing space science experiments, maintaining the station platform and managing their health.

In space science experiments, the crew used an ultrasound diagnostic device to examine several muscle groups and conducted grip strength tests. The data collected will support research on sensitive muscle group remodeling.

In a multi-person collaborative interface experiment, the astronauts wore virtual reality (VR) devices to complete tests, including individual perception experiments and dyadic collaborative experiments.

Astronaut Lai Ka-ying conducts a test with VR devices. /CMSA

The trio also interacted with Xiaohang, the station's robot, conducting touch-interaction tests. The data gathered will help engineers optimize movement planning methods for the robot's future in-orbit operations.

Chinese astronauts interact with robot Xiaohang. /CMSA

Meanwhile, two studies were conducted in parallel: one on long-term in-orbit astronaut kinematics, and the other on treadmill dynamics under microgravity. Footage showed an astronaut using a 3D camera to capture posture data from a crew member running on the space treadmill.

An astronaut runs on a treadmill in the China space station. /CMSA

In line with the schedule for microgravity physics experiments, the crew replaced experiment samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet, cleared samples from the containerless experiment cabinet's chamber, serviced the axial mechanism electrodes and cleaned the viewport cover lenses.

The astronauts also tidied up the station's interior and organized supplies.

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