By 
August 10th, 2025
Image credit: CMG
The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China’s Tiangong space station has been occupied in the unpacking of new extravehicular spacesuits and carrying out multiple scientific experiments and tests.
The astronaut trio — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie — entered the Tiangong space station on April 25 this year.
Last week, the crew unpacked the two new sets of extravehicular spacesuits transported by the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft, and conducted functional performance tests and maintenance, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV).
Image credit: CCTV/CMSA/Inside Outer Space screengrab
Spacewalking suits
The design lifespan of the two suits, designated D and E, has been significantly extended from 15 extravehicular activities (EVAs) within three years to 20 EVAs within four years, CCTV adds.
In performing science duties, the crew used organ-on-a-chip technology to study the effects of the space environment on the blood-brain barrier and brain function at cellular, tissue, and organ levels, while exploring the underlying mechanisms.
Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab
The crew has been investigating bone metabolism regulation and studying microbiota and nutritional metabolism.
Mixed reality glasses
Crew members also began trial operation of an on-orbit mixed reality (MR) training device. The astronauts wore portable MR glasses and achieved seamless interaction with the MR system through simple voice or gesture commands.
Image credit: CMG
Similarly, in terms of new technology and applications, the crew conducted microbial control experiments in the extraterrestrial habitat. They used bacterial detection plates to compare microbial levels on the selected module before and after disinfection, thus evaluating the effectiveness of the disinfection process, CCTV reports.
Health monitoring
The taikonaut threesome conducted comprehensive health monitoring, including bone density and muscle volume measurements, maximal isometric strength testing, and audiometric examinations, while actively performing exercises to cope with weightlessness.
Lastly, the crew completed the installation and testing of the -80 degrees Celsius space refrigerator in the Wentian lab module, and carried out the replacement of the core module’s sleeping compartment door.
Go to this CCTV video detailing work onboard China’s space outpost:
China’s Tiangong space station as imaged by MAXAR satellite.
Image credit: MAXAR
Posted in Space News
