China releases second batch of scientific results from Qingzhou space cargo test craft
The team behind China’s Qingzhou space cargo test craft released the second batch of in-orbit scientific and technical results on Monday, demonstrating significant progress in precision space detection, cost-efficient space operations, future space medicine, and space biology. The test craft had previously released its first batch of in-orbit test results on 15 April.
The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which leads the development of the test craft, stated that these latest achievements will provide crucial technical support for the application of new space technologies, the safe operation of China’s space station, and the utilisation of space resources.
To reduce operational costs in space, an improved vapour-compression space refrigerator successfully overcame the challenges of gas-liquid separation and stable operation under microgravity conditions, offering a cost-effective solution for cold chain transport. Additionally, a diagnostic camera for in-orbit maintenance and emergency rescue has completed performance verification and is now operating smoothly.
For future space medical care, a myoelectric detector using a self-developed neural chip successfully verified continuous data acquisition and real-time transmission of weak muscle signals in orbit. A handheld blood cell analysis device was also tested, providing essential technical support for real-time astronaut health evaluation without relying on large-scale medical equipment or guidance from Earth.
In the field of space biology, an industrial-grade, low-cost in-orbit biological support cabin successfully completed its maiden trial. This success establishes a reusable standardised platform for space life science experiments. The test craft also verified the survival resilience of Syntrichia caninervis, a plant with extreme stress tolerance, under harsh conditions including microgravity, radiation, and desiccation, providing theoretical support for future extraterrestrial ecological enhancement.
Launched in March this year with a designed lifespan of three years, the 4.2-tonne test craft features an integrated single-cabin design. Its main pressurised cabin offers a total volume of approximately 27 cubic metres and provides 40 cargo slots for astronaut supplies and scientific payloads. Following a series of key technology tests, the first official Qingzhou space cargo spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2027 to provide uplink cargo transport services to China’s space station.