Chinese Astronauts Complete Space Tests Regarding Strength, Muscle Adaptability
Shenzhou-18 crew inside China’s space station, 2024. Photo: XInhua
June 17, 2024 Hour: 9:16 am
They tested the strength of manual performance in the Tianhe core module.
On Monday, China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) informed that the Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China’s orbiting space station recently conducted a number of space science experiments and tests.
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In video footage released by the CMSA, the three astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu tested the strength of manual performance in the Tianhe core module, including two-arm and single-arm push and pull strength tests and the two-arm rotational strength test.
By collecting data from various manual strength categories in different stages of the space flight, these tests will compare and analyze the difference of astronauts’ operation strength in space and on Earth in an effort to better understand strength changes in microgravity environments.
In the field of space medicine, the crew members carried out tests concerning muscle adaptability. Using equipment such as a bicycle, treadmill and resistance exercise device, they completed tests on Achilles tendon stiffness, lower limb kinematics, plantar pressure and others.
These tests will help establish a prediction model for exercise protective efficacy for muscle atrophy in weightlessness. During their stay in orbit, the trio will carry out over 90 experiments and tests in the fields of space material science, space life science and space technology.
China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship on April 25, sending three astronauts to its orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission. Shenzhou-18 is the ninth spacecraft to visit the space station, which will operate for about ten years and will soon become the world’s only space station if the International Space Station retires this year as planned.
China has invested heavily in its space program and has achieved successes such as reaching Mars and landing the Chang’e 4 probe on the far side of the Moon.
Sources: Xinhua – EFE
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