The progress of science research in space in the first two years of operation of China's space station Tiangong has gone beyond expectations, according to Gu Yidong, the chief expert of space science for the country's manned space program.
The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) released a report on Monday on progress in scientific research and applications of Chinese space station (2024) for the first time, to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the comprehensive completion of the Chinese space station.
Over the past two years, the Chinese space station has successfully carried out hundreds of scientific and application projects in orbit, achieving several key research advancements.
Since the initiation of the Chinese manned space program in 1992, a blueprint of building spaceships to construct a space station and construct a space station for application purposes has been clear. Over the years, more than 1,000 experts have worked to establish a clear and focused plan for scientific and application tasks. The program has outlined four major research areas: space life and human body research, microgravity physics, space astronomy and earth science, and space new technologies and applications, covering 32 research topics.
"Manned space activities are a major and significant part of mankind's space exploration. What plays a pivotal role in both science and application is the space station. The goal of space station applications is to make major breakthroughs in fundamental and frontier fields, positioning China at the forefront internationally. In application foundation and new technologies, we aim to achieve systemic understanding and significant results to address national needs, strengthen the supply of technology for economic, industrial, and public health development, and support the construction of a technology-powered nation," Gu said, explaining the importance of the space station in both scientific and applied fields.
As of Dec 1, 2024, the Chinese space station has completed over 100 scientific and application projects in orbit. Nearly two tons of scientific materials have been sent up to the station, and nearly 100 types of experimental samples have been brought back to Earth.
Scientific teams from various disciplines have explored numerous directions, focusing on solving major scientific problems and producing a series of original, cutting-edge, and innovative breakthroughs.
As chief expert, Gu expressed his optimism about the progress made.
"In my judgment, the results have exceeded my expectations. Overall, I am encouraged by the progress we've made. Despite facing time constraints in the early stages, the progress of the first batch of scientific experiments aboard the space station shows that our scientists are capable of achieving even greater results in the future with continued, sustained effort, to truly make a special contribution of the space station application to building China's strengths in science and technology," Gu said.
Research progress in Chinese space station beyond expectations: chief scientist
