China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft on October 31, 2023, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration efforts. This mission carries three astronauts and four mice on a groundbreaking six-month journey to the Tiangong space station.
The launch, executed by the Long March-2F rocket, took place at 11:44 PM Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Within just ten minutes, the spacecraft achieved its intended orbit. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed the launch was a total success and reported that the astronauts are in a “good condition.”
This mission sets a new record for China, achieving the fastest-ever orbital docking, with the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft autonomously docking with the Tianhe core module only 3.5 hours post-launch. This accomplishment surpasses the previous docking time recorded during the Shenzhou-20 mission. Li Zhe, an expert from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, commented, “This breakthrough improves the in-flight experience for astronauts and enhances response capabilities.”
In a notable addition to this mission, four “mice astronauts” — two males and two females — will be raised in microgravity for five to seven days. This experiment represents China”s first scientific inquiry into mammalian reproduction in space, focusing on how microgravity affects the behavior and psychology of these small mammals. Prior studies included experiments with zebra fish and fruit flies. An expert from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) highlighted the importance of this research, stating, “The findings will be critical to assessing the feasibility of long-term human survival and reproduction in space.”
A specialized facility has been developed to support the mice, maintaining an Earth-like circadian rhythm and employing directional airflow for effective waste management. After the experiments are concluded, the mice will return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft for further analysis.
Throughout the six-month mission, the Shenzhou-21 crew is set to conduct 27 new in-orbit experiments, perform extravehicular activities, and install devices aimed at protecting against space debris, thereby strengthening China”s capabilities in manned spaceflight.
