Shenzhou-18 Astronauts Conduct Microgravity Experiments | China Space Station
Halfway through their mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard China's orbiting Tiangong space station have recently completed a range of microgravity experiments to ensure their physical well-being in orbit, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
A significant challenge astronauts face during their space missions is adapting to the effects of weightlessness as prolonged exposure to the space environment may lead to "space adaptation syndrome," with bone loss being a key challenge confronting astronauts.
To safeguard the astronauts' health in zero gravity, researchers have developed a bone loss countermeasure device based on the principle of bone fluid flow vibration. By stimulating bone fluid flow through vibration in weightless environment, this device triggers interactions between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, therefore effectively inhibiting bone loss.
In a video footage released by the CMSA, the astronauts are trying the device, placing it on the inner side of the midsection of the tibia in both lower limbs. The high-frequency, low-amplitude, short-duration force loading stimulation enhances the activity of bone cells, increases the flow of nutrients within the bones, boosts osteoblast activity, ultimately aiming to increase bone mass.
Meanwhile, the trio has conducted muscle adaptability experiments. Using ultrasound testing to measure Achilles tendon stiffness, along with muscle structure and function measurement devices and foot pressure collection equipment for lower limb kinematic and plantar pressure testing, they are capturing changes in their' muscle structure and functionality.
Through comparative analysis of human biomechanical characteristics before and after the mission, researchers can analyze the impact of long-term weightlessness and in-orbit exercise on lower limb biomechanical characteristics. Also with non-invasive muscle function tests done before, during, and after the mission, combined with in-orbit exercise data, they can analyze the dynamic changes in exercise adaptability under long-term spaceflight conditions.
The astronauts aboard the space station also use a nerve-muscle stimulation device for muscle atrophy prevention and muscle relaxation as prescribed.
These experiments and device applications are crucial for ensuring the skeletal and muscular health of the astronauts during their stay in orbit.
The Shenzhou-18 trio was launched on April 25, 2024, to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission as the third manned mission in the application and development stage of China's space station, and the 32nd flight mission of the country's overall crewed space program.
Shenzhou-18 Crew:
Ye Guangfu (叶光富, commander)
Li Cong (李聪, mission specialist)
Li Guangsu (李广苏, mission specialist)
Video Credit: China Central Television (CCTV)
Duration: 1 minute, 45 seconds
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