On November 4, 2024, a groundbreaking achievement was reported by Chinese researchers, marking the completion of a 43-day life cycle for zebrafish aboard the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft. This unprecedented experiment, conducted in a closed aquatic ecosystem, has significant implications for future biological studies in space.
The experiment, carried out by the Institute of Hydrobiology and the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, involved four zebrafish and algae. The algae produced oxygen through photosynthesis, sustaining the fish, while the fish’s waste provided nutrients for the algae. This self-sustaining system represents a remarkable advancement in ecological experiments in microgravity.
Zebrafish, which share over 70% of their genetic similarity with humans, are vital for understanding human diseases and developing new medications. The researchers observed unusual behaviors in the fish, such as swimming upside down and performing loops, which may provide insights into biological responses to microgravity.
According to Wang Gaohun, a researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology, this experiment lays a solid scientific foundation for further studies in aquatic biology and biomedical research in space. The samples returned from the space station are currently stored at ultra-low temperatures, awaiting analysis.
China's success in long-term vertebrate cultivation in space opens up possibilities for future missions involving more complex life forms, enhancing our understanding of biology in extraterrestrial environments. The findings could lead to advancements in space exploration and contribute to the development of life-support systems for long-duration missions.