The Shenzhou-20 astronauts, or taikonauts, are set to conduct three new life science experiments during their mission aboard the China Space Station, focusing on zebrafish, planarians and streptomyces.

Zebrafish Experiment

Significant challenges such as bone loss and myocardial remodeling caused by microgravity pose serious concerns for human deep-space exploration. Building on the zebrafish-Ceratophyllum demersum binary ecosystem developed during the Shenzhou-18 mission, the zebrafish experiment will investigate the impact of microgravity on protein homeostasis in higher vertebrates. The research seeks to elucidate the regulatory role of protein homeostasis in contributing to bone loss and cardiovascular dysfunction under microgravity conditions.

Planarian Regeneration

This mission marks China's first space-based planarian regeneration experiment, designed to enhance understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of regeneration at the individual level. The research findings are expected to provide valuable insights into addressing health issues linked to space-related injuries in humans.

Streptomyces Research

Streptomyces are vital for soil enhancement, promoting plant growth and stress resistance, and maintaining ecosystem health. This experiment will investigate the expression patterns of microbially active substances and enzymes with significant potential for application in space environments. The research aims to lay the foundation for developing microbial application technologies and products that leverage resources found in space.

In addition to these experiments, the Shenzhou-20 crew will undertake 59 other experiments and technical demonstrations across various fields, including space life sciences, microgravity physical sciences, and emerging space technologies.

Highlights include potential breakthroughs in cultivating vascularized brain organoids on chips, exploring the non-equilibrium dynamics of soft matter, and studying the fabrication of high-temperature superconducting materials in space.