Shenzhou-23 crew reaches 60-day orbital mark with multiple science tasks

Chinese astronauts studied gut microbes, nutrition and motor control during long-duration space missions

This image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on May 25, 2026 shows a group picture of the crew of Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-23 spaceships. PHOTO: XINHUA

The Shenzhou-23 crew has recently completed a study on gut microbiome changes as a result of long-duration spaceflight, as the three astronauts reached their 60th day in orbit aboard China's space station.

During this period, astronauts Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying have also systematically carried out a range of tasks, including multiple scientific experiments, maintenance of the space station complex platform, and in-orbit health management, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Using a space Raman spectrometer, the crew conducted research on microbiome and nutritional metabolism to analyze changes in intestinal flora and their effects on nutrient metabolism under extended spaceflight conditions.

They also performed a force control test to investigate the patterns of fine motor control changes and adaptive learning mechanisms during long-term orbital missions.

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In-orbit rendezvous and docking training was recently carried out as scheduled, during which the crew completed image recognition exercises under various initial conditions using a metacognitive training system.

The CMSA has recently opened a call for proposals for the space station's 2026 scientific research and application program, focusing on three major areas: space life sciences and biotechnology, space microgravity physics, and new space technologies and applications.

The program covers 23 specific research directions, including frontier exploration in space life sciences, mechanistic studies on material preparation processes under microgravity, and in-orbit manufacturing and construction technologies.