China discloses tasks of Shenzhou
A press conference is held in Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on April 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Shenzhou-18 astronauts will perform various in-orbit space science and application tests and experiments as well as multiple space walks during their six-month stay in the country's space station, a senior official of the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 8:59 p.m. Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The crew will utilize the scientific experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to carry out more than 90 experiments in the fields of basic physics in microgravity, space material science, space life science, space medicine and space technology, said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA.
During the mission, the country's first in-orbit aquatic ecological research project will be implemented. Using zebrafish and goldfish algae to establish a self-cycling aquatic ecosystem in orbit, the project aims to make to a breakthrough in the cultivation of vertebrates in space, according to Lin.
The world's first in-orbit stem cell study on the plant's stem tips will be made to reveal the mechanism of plant evolutionary adaptation to gravity and provide theoretical support for space cropping, said Lin.
The Shenzhou-18 astronauts will carry out two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs), implement six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module.
During the EVAs, the astronauts will install space debris protection reinforcements for extravehicular piping, cables and critical equipment, and carry out extravehicular inspections, as appropriate, to further safeguard the safety of the space station, said Lin.
Related articles
Tyson Fury meets Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia
After Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally meet in the ring this weekend, boxing should have its fi2024-05-19Chinese, Thai tourist numbers surge
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has increased by 30 percent year-on-year, major Chi2024-05-19Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent bares her baby bump in crop top and fringe skirt for line
Lala Kent isn't letting her pregnancy stop her from having a good time. The former Vanderpump Rules2024-05-19Dragons nestle in the mountains outside Beijing
Beijing is home to a wealth of ancient temples and historical sites, which is part of the reason I w2024-05-19Lawsuit by Chicago Tribune staffers claims race and sex discrimination
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Tribune is being sued by some of its staffers, who say they and other wom2024-05-19- South Korea will lift a post-arrival test requirement for travelers from China next month as the COV2024-05-19
atest comment