Health of Shenzhou-23 Taikonauts Monitored With Microgravity Experiments
Tiangong TV: August 9th 2026.
With one member of the Shenzhou-23 crew to remain onboard for an uninterrupted year, to be decided based on their physical and mental health, Zhu Yangzhu (朱杨柱)1, Li Jiaying (黎家盈)2, and Zhang Zhiyuan (张志远)3 have been the focus of microgravity health research this week, while also participating in experiments that monitored their fitness. Those activities aboard the Tiangong Space Station were the focus of the newest episode of ‘Tiangong TV’, shared by the China Manned Space Agency.
Attached below is a translated transcript of the newest episode:
While steadily advancing various space science experiments, the Shenzhou-23 crew is meticulously maintaining the space station complex and conducting routine health management. Let’s take a look.
In the field of space medicine research, the crew used ultrasound diagnostic devices to collaboratively perform ultrasound examinations of the carotid arteries, bone density, the spine, and other areas. Using force-measurement equipment, they conducted grip-strength tests to collect data for research related to the sensitive muscle group modeling project.
In multi-person collaborative interaction experiments, taikonauts wore virtual reality headsets to conduct behavioral tests, including single-person perception experiments and two-person cooperative experiments.
The three taikonauts interacted with the robot Xiao Hang (小航)4, conducting touch-based interaction tests and collecting relevant data to optimize future motion planning methods for on-orbit robots.
Meanwhile, research on the kinematic characteristics of humans during long-term spaceflight is being conducted in parallel with studies on the dynamics of the space treadmill under microgravity conditions. Data on taikonauts using the space treadmill is being collected using 3D depth-sensing camera, providing foundational data to support follow-up research by ground-based scientists.
In accordance with the experimental schedule for the field of physical sciences in microgravity, experimental samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet were replaced in batches, and tasks such as cleaning the samples in the containerless cabinet’s experiment chamber, performing maintenance on the motors of the rotating mechanism, and cleaning the window covers and lenses were completed.
Regarding the maintenance of the space station complex platform, tasks such as cleaning the internal environment and organizing supplies were carried out in a coordinated manner.
For health management, the crew completed medical examinations, including abdominal, cardiac, and vascular ultrasounds, and actively engaged in weight-bearing exercises to counteract the physiological effects of microgravity.
Seventy-one days into their mission, amidst a busy schedule, the Shenzhou-23 crew continues to unlock and document their unique new experiences in space. See you next week!
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
Tiangong TV Episode August 9th 2026 produced by the China Manned Space Agency, cloned to YouTube for viewing on the Western internet and archival.
Commander of the mission for his second spaceflight, having flown as part of the Shenzhou-16 mission, for 153 days from May 30th 2023 to October 31st 2023. Born in September 1986, he is from Peixian (沛县), in Jiangsu (江苏) province, and was selected as part of China’s third taikonaut group in 2020.
Before becoming a taikonaut, he worked as an Associate Professor of aerospace engineering within the People’s Liberation Army, where he achieved the rank of Colonel. Since December 2006, Zhu Yangzhu has been a member of the Communist Party of China. He has been awarded the title of ‘Heroic Astronaut’ too.
Mission Specialist for the mission, she is flying for the first time following selection as a fourth batch taikonaut in 2024. Born in November 1982, she is from the Hong Kong (香港) Special Administrative Region.
Prior to being selected, she was a Chief Inspector of the Hong Kong Police Force, reaching the rank of Superintendent, and holds a PhD in computational and information science-related subjects.
Spacecraft Pilot of the mission, he is in space for the first time after being selected as part of the third group in 2020. Born in June 1986, he is from Gansu (甘肃) province.
Before being selected as a taikoanut as part of the third group, he served in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force as a pilot, where he achieved the rank of Colonel. He has been a member of the Communist Party of China since 2011.
First online during the Shenzhou-19 mission and last mentioned at the end of June.