A Chinese space cargo ship has delivered human bone cells to the Tiangong Space Station for in-orbit research.
Tianzhou 7 cargo spacecraft launched to long march On January 17th, the No. 7 rocket was launched from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. Amamiya Space Station Over 3 hours later. The approximately 12,350-pound (5,600-kilogram) shipment included more than 60 experimental items, including human bone cells for bone density research.
Because the cells grow rapidly, the experiment had to be installed just a few hours before launch to ensure optimal cell activity before the available space was filled. Their growth will be closely monitored and data will be sent to Earth for analysis.
Related: Latest news about China’s space program
“Our experimental setup in space ensures the physical and chemical conditions for cell culture, including nutrient fluid and gas replacement for bone cells,” said Professor Xiang Peng of Northwestern Technological University. I am. Said Surveillance camera.
“It is also equipped with a fluorescence microscope and a regular light microscope to monitor cell growth. Some of this information is recorded and earth For real-time and future analysis. ”
Astronauts in orbit are instructed to exercise for many hours each day to prevent the loss of bone mass that comes with long-term living in space. microgravity environment.
“This can strengthen skeletal muscles and effectively prevent bone loss,” says Xiang.
Such research, carried out in collaboration with scientists from other countries, could lead to better ways to tackle the problem of bone loss experienced not only in space but also on Earth.
“We plan to carry out further projects at the operational stage of the Chinese space station. Based on these, we plan to develop and test relevant medicines. They will be used not only by ancient astronauts in space, but also on Earth It will help people, especially the elderly. This is very meaningful,” said Wang Jinfu, a professor at Zhejiang University in eastern China.
China’s Tianzhou-1 mission was launched in 2017 as a prototype space station cargo and refueling mission to dock with the space station. Amamiya 1 Space Labcarried stem cells. It was a rare opportunity to conduct such a test.
The Tianhe Space Station has entered the operational stage and the Tianhe Core Module recently passed 1,000 days in orbit, meaning that the Chinese scientific community will have more opportunities to conduct scientific experiments in space and on a regular basis. .