This week aboard the Tiangong Space Station has been fairly quiet, with the schedules for Zhu Yangzhu (朱杨柱)1, Li Jiaying (黎家盈)2, and Zhang Zhiyuan (张志远)3 mostly consisting of maintaining their fitness levels and conducting microbial sampling while maintaining the cleanliness of the orbiting laboratory. Those activities of the Shenzhou-23 crew were detailed in the recent episode of ‘Tiangong TV’.
Attached below is a translated transcript of the newest episode:
The Shenzhou-23 crew is nearing the three-month mark of their space mission, with the three taikonauts steadily carrying out various tasks, including space science experiments, maintenance of the space station complex, and health management. How did the human spaceflight program progress last week? Let’s take a look!
In accordance with the experimental schedule, the three taikonauts replaced the samples inside the containerless materials experiment cabinet and carried out tasks such as sample cleanup and replacement, maintenance of the rotating shaft mechanism motor, and cleaning of the viewing window cover lens. Additionally, the crew replaced gas cylinders and performed vacuuming and cleaning operations for the combustion science experiment cabinet.
Regarding the maintenance of the space station complex, the crew conducted work related to microbial monitoring by sampling and analyzing microorganisms in various mediums, such as the station's atmosphere, surfaces, and water systems, and assessing their growth status. They provided a basis for research of microbial prevention and control in human spaceflight.
In terms of health management, the crew completed scheduled comprehensive visual function assessments, carotid artery ultrasound examinations, and noninvasive cardiac function tests, providing a basis for researchers to conduct long-term health monitoring during manned spaceflight.
At the same time, the three taikonauts routinely performed various space exercises and actively counteracted the physiological effects of microgravity using equipment such as bone loss countermeasure devices4.
It’s time for a meal. What space delicacies will the taikonauts enjoy after a busy day of work?5
With the crewed space mission approaching the three-month mark, what tasks lie ahead for the team? Let’s look forward to it together!
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
Tiangong TV Episode August 23rd 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 taikonaut 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.
Two elasticized strings attached at the middle of a taikonaut’s shin that wrap under the middle of their feet. Those devices are part of their blue suits.
This is intended to encourage the viewer to pay attention, and does not work as well when written and read separately.