China returns research samples from space station to Earth for study

by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 18, 2025

China's space station has delivered 46.67 kilograms of scientific samples from 26 experiments for analysis on Earth, according to the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

This ninth transfer of materials saw the Shenzhou-21 return capsule bring back samples from research in life sciences, materials science, and combustion.

Field processing was conducted on the mice used in space life science experiments immediately after landing. Scientists will evaluate their behavior and physiological and biochemical indicators to study stress responses and adaptation in space. These analyses aim to further understand the impact of space environments on living organisms.

Additional biological samples, including zebrafish, hornwort, streptomyces, planarians, and brain organoids, along with materials science and combustion samples, were delivered to the CSU in Beijing shortly after landing. The remaining samples will be sent later together with the Shenzhou-21 return capsule.

Transcriptome sequencing of the returned cellular samples will focus on identifying microgravity-induced changes, helping uncover biological mechanisms and pinpointing potential targets for intervention in disease prevention and treatment.

Materials such as tungsten-hafnium alloys, soft magnetic materials, and relaxor ferroelectric single crystals will be examined for their microstructure, chemical composition, and element distribution. Researchers will use these results to clarify gravity's influence on material growth, defect formation, and performance in space.

The study of these materials is expected to benefit applications including enhanced protective materials for solar cells, radiation-resistant optical fibers, and new techniques for lunar infrastructure. The findings could provide technical support for satellite communications and further space exploration.

Returned combustion experiment items - including burners, soot collection plates, and covers - will be analyzed for their flame-synthesized semiconductor nanomaterials, soot, and nanocarbon particle characteristics. The CSU indicated that this work may support advances in space-based nanomaterial synthesis, novel energy systems, fire safety, and functional nanocarbon production.