China's Shenzhou-20 crew launches groundbreaking flatworm regeneration study in space

Within a month of arriving at China’s Tiangong space station on April 25, the Shenzhou-20 astronauts have initiated and completed a variety of scientific and operational tasks, including launching China’s first space-based regenerative biology experiment using flatworms.

The significant accomplishment was reported by Chinese media, per Caliber.Az.

After boarding the station, the Shenzhou-20 crew began by acclimating to the station’s environment and performing a formal handover from the outgoing Shenzhou-19 crew. This "space shift change" included the transfer of critical operational information, such as spacecraft system settings, the status of onboard experiments, and an updated inventory of in-orbit materials.

One of their early technical tasks involved installing a space debris protection device on the radial hatch of the core module’s node cabin, aimed at enhancing protection against micrometeoroids and other orbital debris.

In the field of space life sciences, the astronauts initiated a groundbreaking regenerative biology experiment—China’s first in orbit to use flatworms (planarians)—to study how microgravity and radiation affect tissue regeneration processes. This research aims to shed light on fundamental mechanisms of regeneration in space conditions.

Within the Wentian laboratory module, the crew monitored biological samples inside the biotechnology experiment cabinet and collected solid culture specimens. The results, along with the returned samples, will help scientists analyse microbial behaviour and interactions within cell tissue cultures in space.

As part of the space medicine research, the astronauts moved cell culture units into the human research cabinet’s medical sample processing equipment for incubation. They also carried out regular manual observations and sample preservation activities, contributing to studies on how microgravity influences cellular development, differentiation, and function.

Routine maintenance included servicing the station’s regenerative life support system, water dispenser, and onboard treadmill, along with general housekeeping tasks like cabin cleaning and reorganising stored cargo.

The astronauts underwent standard health evaluations, including hearing tests, ultrasound imaging, dynamic electrocardiograms, blood pressure readings, and cardiopulmonary function checks. These real-time health metrics were relayed back to Earth for continuous monitoring by ground-based medical teams.

The crew also inspected and maintained the station’s three extravehicular mobility units (spacesuits) and prepared associated tools and systems for upcoming spacewalks.

On May 22, the China Manned Space Agency reported that the crew successfully completed their first extravehicular activity (EVA) of the mission, further advancing operational readiness for upcoming station objectives.

By Tamilla Hasanova