Beijing (January 14, 2025) - The crew aboard China's Shenzhou-19 spacecraft, currently stationed at the Tiangong space station, has embarked on a series of innovative experiments since early 2025, as reported by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
In one experiment, astronauts placed a robot within a simulated pipeline, activated it, and initiated inspection tasks. Upon completion, the robot returned to the pipeline entrance for retrieval by the crew.
This experiment validated several key technologies, including the robot's design to adapt to complex pipeline configurations and the coordinated control of multi-stage body movements in challenging environments, establishing a robust technical foundation for automated pipeline inspections in space.
Additionally, the team conducted space medicine research utilizing electroencephalography equipment and software for various tests. The collected data will assist Earth-based researchers in exploring the effects of gravity on visual processing and the influence of music wave interventions on inhibition control during long-duration space flights.
The crew employed various devices to gather information on plantar pressure and joint kinematics, capturing motion data from running exercises with varying loads to reveal links between mobility parameters and plantar pressure.
Astronauts also wore devices to track their movements and heart rates, completing weekly sleep quality surveys to investigate how the space environment affects human circadian rhythms.
In collaboration with Earth-based researchers, the crew executed pressure emergency drills across the system, simulating the entire emergency response process in the event of internal pressure loss at the space station. This training enhanced the astronauts' skills in managing emergencies and improved coordination between the space team and Earth-based teams.
Shenzhou-19 was launched on October 30, 2024, sending astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze to the orbiting space station for a six-month mission.