Shenzhou-23 Crew Manage Space-Grown Rice, Perform Fire Drill
Tiangong TV: August 2nd 2026.
Another week has passed on board the Tiangong Space Station, so the China Manned Space Agency has shared another episode of ‘Tiangong TV’, detailing the activities of the Shenzhou-23 crew. That has seen Zhu Yangzhu (朱杨柱)1, Li Jiaying (黎家盈)2, and Zhang Zhiyuan (张志远)3 taking part in another emergency drill, supporting microgravity-grown plants, along with generally maintaining the orbiting laboratory and their own health.
Attached below is a translated transcript of the newest episode:
The Chinese Space Station is bustling with activity. In this installment of Tiangong TV, discover the ongoing research project investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of genetic stability and environmental adaptability of space-grown rice. In the footage, taikonauts are seen collecting and storing rice experiment samples. This experiment aims to achieve the first-ever continuous in-orbit cultivation of two generations of rice, with the goal of uncovering the mechanisms by which long-term microgravity in space affects the genetic stability of rice.
In the field of space medical experiments, the crew utilized ultrasound diagnostic equipment to collaboratively perform coordinated examinations of arteries in areas such as both sides of the neck, the arms, and the legs. The data collected will be used to conduct research on various projects, including the characteristics of blood flow in peripheral arteries and the spatiotemporal changes of blood flow.
A series of experiments on environmental lighting factors were conducted. By adjusting and manipulating the lighting conditions inside the modules and conducting taikonaut skill tests both before and after these adjustments, the researchers examined how the lighting environment in specialized settings affects human psychological perception and work efficiency.
In the field of critical gravity physics, the crew completed tasks such as online maintenance and adjustment of the control cabinet, replacement of experimental samples in the fluid physics experimental cabinet, cleaning of the sample body of the containerless experiment chamber, maintenance of the motor mechanisms, and cleaning of the lens of the viewing window cover, according to the experimental arrangements of each project.
Last week, emergency evacuation drills on the space station were conducted as scheduled. The three taikonauts participated in emergency evacuation drills simulating a fire scenario, further strengthening their emergency response and malfunction handling capabilities.
Regarding health management, the crew underwent a series of medical examinations, including electrocardiograms, vision tests, intraocular pressure measurements, and fundus examinations. They used the onboard scale to measure body mass and comprehensively monitor physiological changes in the human body under microgravity conditions. At the same time, they actively engaged in physical exercise using equipment such as the space treadmill.
What other experiments will the Shenzhou-23 crew conduct? Let’s look forward to more updates on space missions together! See you next week!
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
Tiangong TV Episode August 2nd 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.
I really like this weekly video format, I wish NASA would do something similar for the ISS.