The Shenzhou-18 astronaut crew onboard China's Tiangong space station has completed the assembly, testing and second extravehicular installation of the facilities for material exposure experiments.
The China Manned Space Agency on Saturday released a video of the astronauts' work over the past week, showing them installing experimental facilities, conducing medical trainings, and performing daily fitness activities.
The three Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu were sent to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission on April 25.
The video showed the astronauts assembling and testing the tribology experiment box for solid-liquid compound lubrication, which is one of the major facilities for their scientific research task.
With this experiment box, a project will be carried out to try to realize "super-lubrication" or zero-wear in mechanical movement in the harsh space environment, and to scientifically reveal the evolution process of lubrication and the damage mechanism of lubricating materials in the real space environment.
In addition, the three astronauts also replaced samples in the experiment cavity of the containerless material laboratory cabinet and maintained the axial mechanism.
Previously, a number of key research projects had been carried out in the containerless cabinet, and many batches of experimental samples had been brought back to Earth for further tests and researches.
While carrying out scientific experiments and maintenance of experimental devices as planned, the three astronauts also completed a number of tasks including environmental monitoring of the space station and on-orbit training for medical rescue.
On-orbit medical check is key to ensure the health and safety of astronauts. Since entering orbit more than half a month ago, the crew has carried out various medical checks such as mass measurement and intraocular pressure and funduscopic examination.
The advanced medical system based on the space station, which includes traditional Chinese medical four-diagnostic auxiliary apparatus and modern medical technologies, has provided the astronauts with more accurate health management, and help ground researchers monitor the astronauts' physical conditions.
Astronauts in space face a series of physiological challenges brought about by the microgravity environment, including changes in the cardiovascular system, muscle atrophy and bone density loss. The Shenzhou-18 astronauts have performed regular weightlessness protection exercises, such as treadmill training and resistance training, so as to maintain good physical condition for the half-year mission.
Shenzhou-18 crew prepares for material extravehicular exposure experiments
Known primarily for its coal production, the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province is undergoing a cultural transformation. As part of China's booming concert economy, Taiyuan is actively seeking to provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.
Local authorities are supporting businesses in capitalizing on the growing demand for immersive concert experiences.
Taiyuan has implemented innovative initiatives. The city offers free public transportation for concert attendees, including bus and subway rides, both during the concert period and for three days before and after the event .
Taiyuan's commitment to creating a vibrant concert atmosphere is evident throughout the city. Giant banners and posters promote upcoming events, while various support activities further enhance the experience.
At a recent concert, a CGTN correspondent witnessed the city's dedication to providing a memorable experience. Each fan was greeted with a personalized souvenir bag filled with local specialties. Additionally, a captivating drone performance delighted the audience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
"We have both also been to several concerts before. But this is the first time we've enjoyed various perks. Some shops are offering free merchandise. There are shuttle buses. The concert ticket also provides free admission to other local attractions. I think it is really nice," a concertgoer said.
"I have attended several concerts in Taiyuan where I have had really great experiences," another concert fan said.
Taiyuan's thoughtful initiatives have not only delighted concertgoers but also stimulated the city's consumer activity.
"From April to September, Taiyuan hosted more than 10 concerts. We could feel the enthusiasm of the fans at each event. There was a noticeable increase in hotel bookings as well," said Ma Shuting, marketing manager of a local hotel.
The concert period has also boosted the street-stall economy. The area around the venue has been transformed into a vibrant marketplace, with hundreds of stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services, from snacks and concert merchandise to beauty treatments.
"Business is doing quite well because there are many people coming from both out of town and locally. The daily revenue is approximately between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan (about 282 to 423 U.S. dollars)," a vendor told CGTN.
To solidify its position as a leading performing arts center in Northern China, the local government has made a significant commitment to fostering the concert economy.
"All 11 government departments in Taiyuan have jointly introduced several measures to support the development of the concert economy. For concert organizers in Taiyuan that meet the criteria, subsidies ranging from 150,000 yuan to 800,000 yuan (about 21,200 to 113,000 U.S. dollars) will be provided. Additionally, the city government has also established a special task force to ensure the smooth running of large-scale concerts," said Liu Rui, deputy director of the Taiyuan Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
The concert economy holds immense potential for economic growth, as demonstrated by the impact of Taylor Swift and Coldplay concerts on Singapore's GDP, which was boosted by around 0.25 percent.
Taiyuan is positioning itself as a major player in the concert industry, with over 30 concerts scheduled for this year alone. These events are expected to attract nearly 800,000 fans and generate tens of billions of yuan in consumer spending.
The city's commitment to the concert economy reflects its proactive pursuit of new growth drivers. This not only boosts consumption in the culture and tourism sector but also contributes to the broader economic transition toward high-quality growth.
Taiyuan's thriving concert economy boosts cultural, tourism growth
