Shenzhou-20 Crew Completes a Variety of Mission Tasks | China Space Station
The three astronauts aboard Shenzhou-20—Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—have quickly adapted to life in microgravity and accomplished a range of critical tasks since entering China's Tiangong Space Station on April 25, 2025.
During the in-orbit crew transition, the Shenzhou-19 and Shenzhou-20 teams conducted a comprehensive handover, including the flight system configurations, updates on onboard supplies, and the operational handover.
The new crew assisted in organizing and packing outgoing items, and after Shenzhou-19's departure, they reset equipment and reorganized materials across various station modules.
In a major task, the crew installed a debris shield on the radial hatch of the core module's node cabin, an upgrade which helps protect the hatch from impacts of tiny space debris.
In the field of space life sciences, the experiment studying microgravity and space radiation effects on planarian regeneration is proceeding as planned. It is the country' first planarian regeneration experiment in space.
In the Wentian lab module, the astronauts have monitored samples placed within the biotechnology experiment cabinet and utilized the onboard scientific glovebox to collect solid culture samples. These activities will support ongoing research into how microgravity affects microbial behavior and cellular tissue growth.
In the area of space medicine, the crew transferred cell experiment units to the medical sample preparation unit within the human system research cabinet. This will support investigations into cell growth, differentiation, and functional changes under microgravity.
In a notable first, the crew conducted an in-orbit medical rescue training session. The exercise helped them understand how emergency care differs in microgravity, including how to apply force in weightless conditions.
The crew also carried out checks and maintenance of a range of critical systems, including the regenerative life support unit, the water dispenser, and the space treadmill.
In terms of space station management, they have cleaned the cabin and organized supplies sent from Earth.
They have also undergone a series of health checks, including hearing tests, ultrasounds, and electrocardiogram monitoring and blood pressure monitoring, while keeping up with regular physical exercises to counteract the effects of weightlessness. The data gathered from these tests helps ground researchers keep a close watch on the astronauts' health while they are in orbit.
In addition to scientific work and emergency drills, the astronauts carried out regular inspections and maintenance of three extravehicular spacesuits. They also checked and adjusted various pieces of equipment onboard.
After nearly a month in orbit, the Shenzhou-20 crew remains in good spirit and health, with mission tasks progressing smoothly.
On Thursday, the crew completed their first series of extravehicular activities, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Shenzhou-20 Crew
Chen Dong (陈冬) - Commander - Third spaceflight
Chen Zhong Rui (陈中瑞) - Operator - First spaceflight
Wang Jie (王杰) - Flight Engineer - First spaceflight
Video Credit: CCTV
Duration: 2 minutes
Release Date: May 23, 2025
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