Chinese astronauts arrive at Tiangong station with mice for experiments

China’s Shenzhou-21 mission launched successfully from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, carrying three astronauts and four lab mice to the Tiangong space station. Docking occurred about three and a half hours after liftoff, with the crew reported in good health. The six-month mission will conduct 27 experiments focused on space biology, materials science, microgravity physics, and advanced technologies, aiming to deepen understanding of long-term human habitation in orbit. Notably, this mission includes China’s first in-orbit mammal study, using two male and two female mice to investigate the effects of weightlessness, isolation, and cosmic radiation on mammalian physiology and behavior. The crew combines experience and scientific expertise, led by veteran astronaut Zhang Lu, alongside the youngest Chinese astronaut in orbit, 32-year-old Wu Fei, and researcher Zhang Hongzhang, an expert in energy storage systems. During their stay, the astronauts will also install debris shielding and test next-generation spacesuits. This