China is conducting a biological radiation experiment outside the space station. astronauts Shenzhou 16 — Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao — set up an experiment near the Mengtian Science Module Tiangong space station announced on June 10 China National Space Science Center (NSSC).

The experiment was deployed using a custom Mentian payload gateway and connected to the external payload adapter using the space station’s small robotic arm.

The payload of the experiment includes 13 sample boxes loaded with biomaterials. They were designed to study the effects of cosmic radiation and gravity organisms, the origin and evolution of life, and the development of mutagenic sources of cosmic radiation.

According to the NSSC, the equipment can be used for in-orbit experiments with biological samples, including plant seeds, microorganisms and small animals. The temperature inside each sample cup can be adjusted according to the organisms it contains.

In-orbit medical research into the biological effects of space radiation is essential in supporting China’s manned spaceflight program. This program is ambitious, with plans to launch long-term crewed missions in Earth orbit and send humans to the surface of the Moon. informs Chinese edition of Science and Technology Daily.

The experimental payload was jointly developed by NSSC and Dalian Maritime University. It is designed for five years and is planned to be used in various scientific projects. The Shenzhou 16 crew reached Tiangong on May 30 and will remain on the space station until November.