Synopsis
China's space station is poised to embark on over 1,000 research projects in the next 10 to 15 years, focusing on promoting science, enhancing international cooperation, and yielding significant scientific advancements.Key Takeaways
- Over 1,000 research projects planned.
- Focus on space life science and biotechnology.
- Research on microgravity physical science.
- Development of the Chinese Space Station Telescope.
- Advancements in space material science.
Shanghai, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Chinese space station is set to initiate over 1,000 research initiatives aimed at advancing scientific knowledge, fostering public understanding of science, and strengthening international partnerships in the upcoming 10 to 15 years, as reported by the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilisation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Functioning as a national space laboratory, the Chinese space station will facilitate comprehensive interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaborations throughout the next decade, with the goal of yielding substantial scientific and technological breakthroughs and accelerating their practical applications, stated Ba Jin, the deputy director of the center's application and development division, on Monday, according to Xinhua News Agency.
In the realm of space life science and human studies, there will be a concerted effort to enhance research in fundamental biology, biotechnology, life ecology, and the genesis of life, aiming to uncover the mechanisms and responses of living organisms to the space environment.
Within the domain of microgravity physical science, investigations will focus on the regulatory mechanisms of microstructures and macroscopic traits of metals and alloys, which will guide material preparation on Earth, as indicated by Jin.
The ongoing development of the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) is anticipated to yield significant insights regarding fundamental cosmological questions, including the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter.
In terms of new space technologies and applications, priority will be given to national strategic necessities encompassing near-Earth and Earth-Moon space, along with future manned deep-space exploration and in-orbit services. This includes prospective space application projects and crucial technology validation tests.
According to Jin, over 180 scientific and application projects have already been executed in orbit, leading to the delivery of nearly two tonnes of scientific materials and the return of close to 100 types of experimental samples.
More than 500 high-level SCI papers have been published, and over 150 patents obtained. Several outcomes have been transformed and applied, significantly advancing the development of China’s space science and applications.
Regarding the field of space material science, notable progress has been made in addressing critical scientific challenges, including the microstructure, defects, and qualities of metals and semiconductors, as well as in the preparation of enhanced functional structural materials.
The research findings from microgravity interdisciplinary studies will serve as technical support for future lunar and Martian exploration and will foster advancements in areas like clean combustion and energy efficiency within China.
Additionally, China's space station has performed research and in-orbit verification concerning the effects of the space environment on domestically produced high-performance, complex, and novel electronic components and sensors, revealed Jin.
