The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that the Shenzhou XX mission will explore regeneration, microbial activity, and vertebrate biology in microgravity, along with dozens of other scientific studies.
One of the standout projects will look at how planarians, a type of flatworm known for their ability to regenerate lost tissue, behave in space.
Scientists want to know how microgravity affects this regeneration process, which could eventually support research into how to treat injuries during spaceflight, according ot Space Daily.
"This project will enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of regeneration at the individual level and could provide insights into human health issues related to space-induced injuries," CMSA spokesperson Lin Xiqiang said.
The Shenzhou XX mission also returns to a previous experiment from the Shenzhou XVIII mission that looked at zebra fish and hornwort in a shared ecosystem.
This time, the team will study how space conditions impact protein balance in zebra fish, with a particular interest in how that might relate to bone density and cardiovascular function in humans.
In another key study, Chinese researchers will examine the behavior of Streptomyces, a type of soil bacterium that plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and supporting plant health. The team will work on how these bacteria produce enzymes and active compounds in orbit. Insights from this could help in developing biological systems to support long-term space missions.
"Currently, we are conducting space science experiments according to plan, with all projects progressing smoothly," Lin said.
They won’t only be focused on biology. CMSA says the mission includes 59 other experiments across different fields, such as physics and space technology. These include attempts to create vascularized brain organoid chips, research into soft matter systems, and development of high-temperature superconducting materials in microgravity.
Since the launch of its Tiangong space station, China has used the facility to conduct over 200 science missions. CMSA notes that nearly two tonnes of scientific gear and samples have been sent into orbit so far, with close to 100 sample returns already completed.
The spacecraft carrying the Shenzhou XX crew launched at 5:17 pm Thursday, Beijing time, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. The 20 astronauts will be in space for 6 months.
