Shenzhou-23 Crew Busy Participating in Microgravity Experiments
Tiangong TV: July 12th 2026.
While maintaining the handful of plants growing aboard the Tiangong Space Station this week, the Shenzhou-23 crew of Zhu Yangzhu (朱杨柱)1, Li Jiaying (黎家盈)2, and Zhang Zhiyuan (张志远)3 have been particpants of a few health-focused microgravity research items. Alongside that, they are continuing to support other experiments onboard the orbiting laboratory, as shared in a new episode of ‘Tiangong TV’.
Attached below is a translated transcript of the newest episode:
After nearly 50 days in their space mission, the Shenzhou-23 crew’s list of in-orbit experiments continues to grow. Let’s take a look.
Last week, multiple experiments in the fields of space life sciences and human research were conducted simultaneously. In the footage, taikonauts worked in pairs to carry out tasks related to the multi-person collaborative interface experiment. As part of the research project on forces acting on the skeleton during exercise, the taikonauts conducted a series of tests, including plantar pressure measurements, lower-limb biomechanical testing, and measurements of muscle and tendon characteristics. By collecting plantar pressure data, joint kinematic data, motion imagery, and relevant electromyographic parameters during running and resistance exercises under various load conditions in space, researchers aim to establish the mapping relationship between different exercise state parameters and plantar pressure, as well as to identify changes in muscle-tendon interactions.
Additionally, the crew used near-infrared brain functional imaging equipment to conduct experiments related to neuroergonomic research on complex multitasking. Ground-based researchers will utilize the data collected in orbit to study the effects of the unique space environment on human cognitive control.
In accordance with the experiment schedule for microgravity physics, the burners inside the gas experiment modules of the combustion science experiment cabinet were replaced in batches, samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet were replaced, and experimental samples inside the maintenance and assembly cabinet were also replaced. Furthermore, the team completed the installation of the multi-field effect evaporation module in the two-phase system experiment cabinet, cleaned the samples in the experiment chamber of the containerless cabinet, performed maintenance on the motor of the turntable mechanism, and cleaned the window cover lenses.
Regarding maintenance of the space station complex, the crew routinely conducted inspections and maintenance on life support equipment in a coordinated manner, performed maintenance on crew-specific equipment such as eye-washing stations and intravenous infusion devices, and tested the upgraded in-orbit mass measurement instrument, which was making its debut on the space station. In addition, the three taikonauts continued their in-orbit exercise regimen and actively used relevant equipment to counteract the physiological effects of microgravity.
Looking back at our beautiful blue planet from the space station, the taikonauts feel the warmth of home during breaks from their busy work. See you next week.
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
Tiangong TV Episode July 12th 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.