By 
October 20th, 2025
China’s Shenzhou-20 crew.
Image credit: CMSA/CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab
China’s Shenzhou-20 space station crew has been in orbit more than 170 days and are preparing for returning to Earth, slated for late October.
Now onboard China’s Tiangong space station, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, continue a full agenda of space research tasks.
Since entering the space station in late April, the taikonaut trio have performed numerous research experiments prior to ending their six-month mission.
Behavioral tests
According to China Central Television (CCTV), in the field of space medicine, the crew has utilized laptops and specialized equipment to complete behavioral tests for several experiments, including studies on visual fields, functional training, and metacognitive monitoring.
They have also conducted Electroencephalogram (EEG) experiments to gather data on the effects of long-term spaceflight on a person’s perception and cognitive abilities.
Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab
Additionally, they have looked into perception of gravity from visual motion using a visual function measurement device, eye tracker, and testing software.
Metabolism measurements
The crew have collected and preserved saliva samples to study how changes in gut microbiota during long-term spaceflight affect human’s metabolism and gastrointestinal function.
The space travelers have also used a space Raman spectrometer to analyze metabolites in urine samples, with the collected information aimed at improving the metabolic indicator system and evaluation criteria.
China’s Tiangong space station as imaged by MAXAR satellite.
Image credit: MAXAR
Ultrasounding
In materials science, the crew has utilized a containerless cabinet experiment chamber, changed out samples, maintained the electrodes of the hardware, and replaced window cover lenses. Additionally, they have also installed samples for the fifth batch of microbial control technology cultivation chips, CCTV reports.
As for health monitoring, the Shenzhou-20 crew has performed ultrasounds on their abdomen, muscles, and cardiovascular system to help gauge their health during their stint in space.
Lastly, part of their tasks have them carrying out routine equipment inspections and station management activities.
For a new look at life onboard China’s space station, go to:
Posted in Space News
