By 
June 16th, 2023
Radiation experiment equipment stationed outside China’s space station.
Image credit: CCTV/CMS/Inside Outer Space screengrab
China’s new space station crew has carried out radiation biology and space science research, making use of an airlock to extend an experiment into space outside the station’s Mengtian lab module.
The Shenzhou-16 crew — Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao – prepared the experiment from within the Tiangong space station and then transferred the hardware into the space environment via an airlock.
Shenzhou-16 crew members deploy radiation experiment into space.
Image credit: CCTV/CMS/Inside Outer Space screengrab
The experiment was jointly developed by the National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Dalian Maritime University. The equipment includes 13 sample box units carrying biomaterials, such as plant seeds, microorganisms and small animals.
Each sample box unit can control its interior temperature to assure survival of different model organisms.
Moon landing research
According to a report by Science and Technology Daily the experiment is designed to study the harsh impact of space radiation, the origin and evolution of life, and the development of space radiation mutagenic resources.
Image credit: CCTV/CMS/Inside Outer Space screengrab
The equipment is to be utilized for research over a five year period, able to support a number of projects.
As noted by China Central Television, citing the report, research on medical issues involving space radiation biological exposure “is of great significance to supporting China’s manned space program, including long-term crewed missions in orbit and crewed lunar landings.”
Deployed radiation experiment rolled out from airlock into the space environment.
Image credit: CCTV/CMS/Inside Outer Space screengrab
China launched the Shenzhou-16 crew to the orbital outpost on May 30, sending the taikonaut trio to the Tiangong space station for a five-month mission.
For a video look at the experiment, go to:
Posted in Space News
