China's Shenzhou-21 crew is rewriting the playbook for space station science as they approach their two-month milestone aboard the Tiangong orbital outpost. Since their November 1 launch, commander Zhang Lu and crewmates Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang have transformed the station into a floating laboratory 🌌.
Brain Science Meets Zero-G
The team recently conducted cutting-edge neuroscience experiments using EEG technology, collecting data on metacognitive monitoring and group emotional regulation – research that could help future crews manage long-duration missions. "This isn't your average brain scan," says mission specialist Zhang Hongzhang in a ground transmission. "We're mapping how microgravity affects collective cognition."
Botany Breakthroughs in Space
In the Wentian lab module, the crew harvested Arabidopsis thaliana samples – space-grown plants that could unlock secrets about stem cell behavior. These tiny greens might hold big answers for sustaining life beyond Earth 🌱.
Physics in Floating Labs
The team:
Reconfigured fluid physics experiments
Tested lithium battery performance in vacuum conditions
Conducted maintenance on microgravity research equipment
Medical checks remain crucial, with daily bone density scans and cardiovascular monitoring ensuring crew health. As Zhang Lu noted: "Every heartbeat tells a story about human adaptation to space." ❤️🩺
