Why did four mice join Chinese astronauts on the latest space station mission? Meet China’s newest space travelers - Two males and two females chosen from 300 after rigorous 60-day training

In a one-of-a-kind experiment, China’s latest space mission included four unusual passengers - two male and two female mice - joining a new crew of three astronauts to the Tiangong space station in orbit. Selected from more than 300 candidates after 60 days of specialized training, the rodents are part of a biological experiment to study how microgravity affects mammalian behaviour and stress.

This marks the first time rodents have been sent to China’s space station, representing a major milestone in the country’s space life-science research. Scientists aim to use the mission to better understand how microgravity and confined environments influence mammalian behavior, stress levels, and physiological adaptation - insights considered vital for preparing humans for prolonged space travel and potential missions to the Moon and Mars.

WHAT IS TIANGONG SPACE STATION

The Tiangong space station, staffed by rotating crews of three astronauts every six months, stands as the centerpiece of China’s rapidly advancing space program. Backed by billions in funding, the initiative aims to rival US and Russian achievements in space exploration. China’s long-term goals include sending a crewed mission to the Moon by the end of the decade and ultimately establishing a lunar base.

The current mission is led by veteran astronaut Zhang Lu, alongside 32-year-old flight engineer Wu Fei - the youngest Chinese astronaut to embark on a space mission - and 39-year-old payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang, who will oversee key scientific experiments during their stay.

HOW WOULD MICE HELP IN SPACE EXPERIMENT?

During their week-long stay aboard Tiangong, the mice - who are scheduled to return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft after completing their orbital experiments - will be closely monitored using multidimensional video imaging to track their movement, eating habits, and stress-related behaviors.

"This mission explores the entire pathway from ground preparations to in-orbit experiments," said Li Tianda, as quoted by ITV, associate researcher at the Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"It will lay the foundation for establishing the capability to conduct biological research in the future - a process of moving from ‘zero to one'."

ROLE OF THREE CHINESE ASTRONAUTS IN SPACE

The research aims to help Chinese scientists advance technologies for breeding and monitoring small mammals in space, offering valuable insights for sustaining human health, reproduction, and long-term survival during future space missions.

The three astronauts will spend about six months aboard Tiangong, carrying out 27 experiments spanning biotechnology, aerospace medicine, materials science, and other disciplines.

According to ITV, their mission also includes conducting spacewalks, managing cargo transfers, and preparing to receive the Shenzhou-22 crew next year, as China continues to expand its space station’s research capabilities and operational efficiency.