THE team for China’s Qingzhou cargo spacecraft test vehicle has released its second batch of in-orbit scientific and engineering results, demonstrating advancements in space precision detection, cost-effective space operations, future space medicine, and space biology.

The test vehicle previously released its first batch of in-orbit test results on April 15.

The Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS), which spearheaded the development of the test vehicle, said the latest achievements will provide crucial technical support for the application of new space technologies, the safe operation of China’s space station, and the utilization of space resources.

To reduce the costs of space operations, an improved steam-compression space refrigerator successfully overcame the challenges of gas-liquid separation and stable operation in microgravity, offering a cost-effective solution for cold chain transport. Additionally, a space rescue and maintenance diagnostic camera has completed its in-orbit performance verification and is operating smoothly.

For future space medical care, a myoelectric detector utilizing a self-developed neural chip successfully verified the continuous acquisition and real-time transmission of weak muscle signals in orbit. A handheld blood cell analyzer was also tested, providing key technical support for real-time health assessments for astronauts without relying on large-scale medical equipment or ground guidance.

In space biology, an industrial-grade, low-cost in-orbit biological support cabin successfully completed its maiden test, creating a standardized and reusable platform for space life science experiments. The test vehicle also verified the survival of Syntrichia caninervis, an extreme stress-tolerant plant, under harsh conditions including microgravity, radiation, and drought, providing theoretical support for future extraterrestrial ecological improvement.

Launched in March with a design lifespan of three years, the 4.2-tonne test vehicle features a single-cabin integrated design. Its main sealed cabin offers a total volume of approximately 27 cubic meters and 40 cargo slots for astronauts’ supplies and scientific payloads.

The first formal Qingzhou cargo spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2027. (Xinhua)