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Shenzhou-21 Crew Delivers New Batch of Research Samples | China Space Station

The latest batch of scientific samples from China's space station, totaling approximately 41 kilograms, was brought back to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-22 return capsule carrying the Shenzhou-21 crew, according to the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Marking the 10th transfer of materials from the orbiting laboratory, the samples came from 23 experiments in space life sciences, materials science and combustion research, including nine types of biological samples, 12 material samples and two combustion samples.

Among the most notable findings, scientists observed that zebrafish embryos had successfully hatched into tiny fishes aboard the space station.

"Life science experiments in orbit were highly demanding. Cell development happens very quickly, so we had to constantly refocus and take photos to track changes in the biological samples. When we saw that the zebrafish embryos had hatched into small fishes and started swimming, the entire team was thrilled. Notably, our experiment on 'artificial embryos' (stem cell-derived artificial human embryos) was fully recorded in orbit, and the embryos are in very good condition," said Sun Yuanyuan, a senior engineer at the CSU.

The artificial embryo experiment is among the most anticipated. Researchers will use transcriptome sequencing and proteomic analysis to understand how the space environment affects early human embryo development and stem cell behavior. The studies will also explore the effects of microgravity on kidney organoid development and fibrosis, as well as the molecular mechanisms behind bone metabolism imbalance and cardiovascular dysfunction under weightless conditions.

Another experiment focuses on chirality, the property of molecules that are mirror images but not identical, similar to left and right hands.

"Chirality is a project we sent to the space station on a previous Shenzhou-21 mission. It explores the chiral characteristics that appear during the formation of amino acids in living organisms. As we know, humans have a left hand and a right hand. They are mirror images, but they don't perfectly overlap. Many chemical molecules in nature share this mirror-symmetry property. That phenomenon is called chirality. In this experiment, we focus on how small biological molecules select their chiral partners, so that we can understand how chirality selection differs between Earth and space environments," said Liu Wei, another senior engineer at the center.

These findings will help scientists understand how living organisms adapt to space environments, providing critical theoretical knowledge for long-term human space habitation and deep-space exploration.

For the returned materials science samples, including new titanium alloys, high-strength steel and relaxor ferroelectric single crystals, researchers will examine their microstructures, chemical composition and elemental distribution, the CSU said. These analyses will clarify how gravity influences material growth, composition segregation, solidification defects and overall performance.

Combustion experiment samples, including burners and soot collection plates, will be analyzed to study semiconductor nanomaterial synthesis, soot formation and nanocarbon particle characteristics. The results are expected to advance aerospace technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy systems and space fire safety.

#NASA #Space #Science #China #中国 #Shenzhou22CrewCapsule #Shenzhou21Mission #神舟二十一号 #Shenzhou21 #Taikonauts #Astronauts #ZhangLu #WuFei #ZhangHongzhang #ChinaSpaceStation #中国空间站 #TiangongSpaceStation #SpaceLaboratory #MicrogravityExperiments #CMSA #中国载人航天工程办公室 #HumanSpaceflight #STEM #Education #HD #Video

The Rosette Nebula in Monoceros | Kitt Peak National Observatory

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center in Arizona.

Learn more about Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO):
https://kpno.noirlab.edu/

Cosmonaut Photos: Mount Everest & The Himalayas | International Space Station

Expedition 74 commander and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey-Kud Sverchkov of Russia: "Yes, because it exists!"

"That's how George Mallory answered the question of why people climb Everest. And it seems nothing has changed in a hundred years."

"Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, at 8,848.86 meters. A Himalayan giant on the border of Nepal and Tibet, the peak has become a symbol of the limits of human possibility."

For local people, the mountain has always been Chomolungma—'Divine Mother of the World' in Tibetan. In Nepal, it is called Sagarmatha—'Forehead of Heaven.' The name 'Everest' was coined in the 19th century in honor of British surveyor George Everest after the Great Trigonometric Survey of India.

The first attempts to climb it began in the 1920s. 73 years ago, on May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made the first official ascent. There are approximately 20 routes to the summit, although two remain the main ones: the southern route through Nepal and the northern route through Tibet.

Today, Everest is considered an 'accessible' eight-thousander technically, thanks to commercial expeditions, fixed ropes, and a large number of routes. But the altitude here remains unforgiving."

Moonrise Blues over New York

Astrophotographer James Perez-Rogers: "A rare blue moon was set to rise yesterday evening and I set out to photograph it lined up with the Ferncliff Firetower in Rhinebeck, NY. The micro moon looked visually smaller than normal, but with the long lens and cropping it appears quite large."

When you hear someone say, "Once in a blue moon …" you know they are talking about something rare. A blue moon is not blue in color. In fact, a blue moon does not look any different than a regular, monthly full moon.

Rather, a blue moon is special because it is the "extra" Moon in a season with four full moons. This usually only happens every two-and-a-half years. Since the 1940s, the term "blue moon" has also been used for the second full moon in a calendar month. This usually happens only every two-and-a-half years.

New York, also called New York State, is a state located in the northeastern United States. Bordering New England to its east, Canada to its north, and Pennsylvania and New Jersey to its south, it extends into the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes.

The Snake Nebula in Ophiuchus

The Snake Nebula, also known as Barnard 72 and LDN 66, is an iconic dark nebula in the Ophiuchus constellation. It is part of the much larger Dark Horse Nebula (occupies the edge of the belly). The Snake Nebula is around 650 light years from Earth. It is a small dust lane that snakes out in front of Milky Way star clouds. 

Planet Mars Images: May 26-31, 2026 | NASA's Curiosity & Perseverance Rovers

Mars 2020 - sol 1875

Mars 2020 - sol 1875

Mars 2020 - sol 1875

Mars 2020 - sol 1871

Mars 2020 - sol 1872

MSL - sol 4907

MSL - sol 4905

Mars 2020 - sol 1871

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Pollen Star Ring: View from Finland | Solar System Science

"Pollen ring in the evening sun. Caused by pine trees."

The peak pollen release often aligns with warmer temperatures and increased sunlight. This triggers the pine trees to release their pollen. Generally, you can expect to see significant pollen levels from late spring through early summer. The pine pollen grain has two special air-filled bladders that help it achieve flight. Pine trees produce large amounts of pollen because they rely on the wind to deliver the pollen to their female cones.

Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It borders Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the south, opposite Estonia.

Wide-field view: Red Giant Star L2 Puppis | Digitized Sky Survey 2

This image shows the region of sky in the southern constellation of Puppis surrounding the red giant star L2 Puppis. This rich area of the Milky Way includes glowing red clouds of hydrogen as well as dusty clouds known as cometary globules. This picture was assembled from images in the Digitized Sky Survey 2.

The Digitized Sky Survey (DSS) is a ground-based imaging survey of the entire sky in several colors of light produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute through its Guide Star Survey group.

Credit: European Southern Observatory (ESO)/Digitized Sky Survey 2
Release Date: June 10, 2015

Nebula NGC 2467 in Puppis | Gemini South Telescope

An extremely active stellar nursery glows in deep reddish tones in this Gemini South telescope view of NGC 2467 in the southern constellation of Puppis. The image displays a striking array of features that illustrate multiple phases of star birth. In the lower right, young stars are emitting hot radiation, exciting the nearby gas and causing it to glow and revealing denser gas and dust clouds. Dust lanes and dark globules mark sites of future star formation. A cluster of young stars dominates the left edge of the field of view. It is likely that several million years ago this region resembled the currently active star birth regions seen in the right half of the image. A “wall” of denser material dominates the right side of the image. Here ultraviolet radiation from nearby stars is removing material by a process called photo-evaporation and revealing underlying dense clouds that likely harbor forming stars. At bottom left a star can be seen exciting the cocoon of gas and dust from which it likely emerged. The NGC2467 complex lies about 17,000 light-years away. Its distance has been calculated based upon a likely association with a nearby cluster (Haffner 19, not within image). 

This image was obtained on December 5, 2004 using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on the Gemini South telescope at Cerro Pachón in Chile. 

#NASA #Space #Astronomy #Science #Space #Stars #Nebulae #StellarNurseries #SkullCrossbonesNebula #NGC2467 #StarClusters #Haffner18 #Haffner19 #Stars #HD64315 #PuppisConstellation #Cosmos #Universe #GeminiSouthTelescope #GMOS #GeminiObservatory #CerroPachón #Chile #NOIRLab #AURA #NSF #UAA #STEM #UnitedStates #Education

Planetary Nebula Jones-Emberson 1 in Lynx | Kitt Peak National Observatory

Jones-Emberson 1 (PK 164+31.1), also known as the Headphone Nebula, is a 14th magnitude planetary nebula in the constellation Lynx at a distance of 1,600 light years. It is a larger planetary with low surface brightness. The 16.8-magnitude central star is a very blue white dwarf.

This planetary nebula makes for a very difficult target due to its very low surface brightness. Like the Medusa Nebula, this is probably an old shell of gas. The background galaxies seen through this ethereal bubble of gas only add to its gossamer appearance.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) at Kitt Peak Visitor Center.

Liftoff: United Launch Alliance Atlas V Amazon LEO 7 Satellites

Named LA-07 (LEO Atlas 7), the mission marks Amazon’s seventh launch on ULA’s Atlas V rocket and twelfth mission overall, bringing the total number of satellites deployed to 331.

Atlas V deployed the satellites at an altitude of approximately 289 miles (465 kilometers) above Earth, after which the Amazon LEO team assumed control of the mission from our mission operations center in Redmond, Washington. Teams have completed initial contact and health checks and will continue preparing the satellites to raise to their assigned operational altitude of 392 miles (630 kilometers).

Amazon LEO, formerly Project Kuiper, is Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network. "Its mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers and communities beyond the reach of existing networks, and we began a full-scale deployment of our satellite constellation in April 2025."

Amazon LEO has completed 11 missions and launched more than 300 satellites in its first year of launch operations, making it the third-largest constellation in orbit, and Amazon plans to increase its launch rate over time with more than 100 launches secured to date.

Mission name: LA-07 (LEO Atlas 7)

Launch vehicle: ULA Atlas V 551

Launch date/time: Friday, May 29, 7:53 p.m. EDT

Number of satellites: 29

Launch site: Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral

ULA website: www.ulalaunch.com

United Launch Alliance Atlas V Amazon LEO 7 Satellite Launch

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the LEO 7 mission for Amazon lifted off on May 29, 2026, at 7:53 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral. This delivered another 29 LEO satellites to low Earth orbit, adding coverage and capacity to the network and "bringing LEO a step closer to connecting customers around the world."

Named LA-07 (LEO Atlas 7), the mission marks Amazon’s seventh launch on ULA’s Atlas V rocket and twelfth mission overall, bringing the total number of satellites deployed to 331.

Atlas V deployed the satellites at an altitude of approximately 289 miles (465 kilometers) above Earth, after which the Amazon LEO team assumed control of the mission from our mission operations center in Redmond, Washington. Teams have completed initial contact and health checks and will continue preparing the satellites to raise to their assigned operational altitude of 392 miles (630 kilometers).

Amazon LEO, formerly Project Kuiper, is Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network. "Its mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers and communities beyond the reach of existing networks, and we began a full-scale deployment of our satellite constellation in April 2025."

Amazon LEO has completed 11 missions and launched more than 300 satellites in its first year of launch operations, making it the third-largest constellation in orbit, and Amazon plans to increase its launch rate over time with more than 100 launches secured to date.

Mission name: LA-07 (LEO Atlas 7)

Launch vehicle: ULA Atlas V 551

Launch date/time: Friday, May 29, 7:53 p.m. EDT

Number of satellites: 29

Launch site: Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral

ULA website: www.ulalaunch.com

Shenzhou-21 Astronaut Zhang Hongzhang Exits Return Capsule | China Space Station

Chinese astronaut Zhang Hongzhang, one of the three crew members of the Shenzhou-21 Mission, has left the return capsule that landed back on Earth on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Zhang was the third and final crew member to emerge after the Shenzhou-22 return capsule touched down at the Dongfeng Landing Site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 20:11 Beijing Time (1211 GMT), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

"From the ground laboratory to China's space station, it is our great motherland that has enabled me to achieve a perfect integration of my scientific ideals and spaceflight dreams. With the support of the entire project team, the assistance of researchers and scientists, and the care of so many people, our crew has worked as one and successfully completed all planned scientific projects, including the first successful in-orbit breeding of small mammals, the growing of a thriving space vegetable garden with richer varieties, and the collection of valuable data from projects such as in-situ electrochemical and optical studies on lithium-ion batteries," Zhang said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) shortly after coming out the capsule.

"Looking at Earth from space, I deeply felt that humanity is an indivisible community with a shared future. Now that I am back on Earth and have returned to my motherland, I feel an immense sense of security and warmth. Going forward, I will continue to build on these achievements and contribute to making China a strong power in space, science and technology," he said.

Prior to the return, the crew completed all planned tasks and handed over China's Tiangong Space Station to the three Shenzhou-23 astronauts who boarded the space station on Monday.

The crew's planned stay in-orbit was extended by approximately one month to further verify the technologies regarding the long-term stay of astronauts in orbit and fully use the supplies delivered by the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft in an emergency launch.

The Shenzhou-21 crew's original spacecraft that sent them into space on October 31 last year, previously returned to Earth carrying the astronauts of the preceding Shenzhou-20 mission after tiny cracks were found in the viewport window of the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft's return capsule. This spacecraft was later safely brought back to Earth.

Shenzhou-21 Astronaut Wu Fei Exits Return Capsule | China Space Station

Chinese astronaut Wu Fei, one of the three crew members of the Shenzhou-21 mission, has emerged from the return capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft that landed back on Earth on May 29, 2026.

Wu was the second of the crew members to emerge from the capsule after the Shenzhou-22 return capsule touched down at the Dongfeng Landing Site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 20:11 Beijing Time (1211 GMT), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

"Returning to Earth and to the embrace of our motherland, I feel extremely secure and proud. Being entrusted with such a significant responsibility in my first space mission is a great honor. It is the trust of my country, the guidance of my predecessors, and the teamwork of the entire crew that enabled me to successfully complete the mission. This mission has taught me that the most beautiful posture of youth is to march out for the country. I will turn this space experience into the driving force to keep moving forward and continue to fight and strive for the crewed space program," Wu said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) after leaving the spacecraft.

Prior to their return, the crew completed all planned tasks and handed over China's Tiangong Space Station to the three Shenzhou-23 astronauts that boarded the space station on Monday.

The crew's planned stay in-orbit was extended by approximately one month to further verify the technologies regarding the long-term stay of astronauts in orbit and fully use the supplies delivered by the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft in an emergency launch.

The Shenzhou-21 crew's original spacecraft that sent them into space on October 31 last year, previously returned to Earth carrying the astronauts of the preceding Shenzhou-20 mission after tiny cracks were found in the viewport window of the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft's return capsule. This spacecraft was later safely brought back to Earth.

Shenzhou-21 Commander Zhang Lu Exits Return Capsule | China Space Station

Chinese astronaut Zhang Lu, commander of the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceflight mission, is shown emerging from the return capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft that landed back on Earth on May 29, 2026.

Zhang was the first of the three-member Shenzhou-21 crew to exit the capsule after it touched down safely at the Dongfeng Landing Site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 20:11 Beijing Time (12:11 GMT), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Upon landing, Zhang and the two other crew members reported to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center that they were in good condition.

"I'm thrilled to once again return to the embrace of our motherland. The Shenzhou-21 crew's seven-month stay in orbit would not have been possible without the care of our families and comrades, the support of leaders at all levels and all colleagues involved in the project, and above all, the backing of our country and our people. One sentence sums up my thoughts on my second space mission: 'It takes a whole team's devotion to make one person's voyage into the sea of stars,'" Zhang said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) shortly after he was carried out of the return capsule.

"I also have a gift to share with everyone. On the day of the Shenzhou-21 launch, the ground support team gave us an apple, wishing us a safe and smooth mission. Our safe return is their greatest wish. Tomorrow is May 30, the National Science and Technology Workers' Day. So when we left the space station, we brought back an apple specially. We want to dedicate it to all science and technology workers, and say 'thank you for your hard work'. At the same time, I wish our space industry continued prosperity, and every mission safe and smooth,," he said.

Prior to the return, the crew completed all planned tasks and handed over China's Tiangong Space Station to the three Shenzhou-23 astronauts who boarded the space station on May 25.

The crew's planned stay in-orbit was extended by approximately one month to further verify the technologies regarding the long-term stay of astronauts in orbit and fully use the supplies delivered by the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft in an emergency launch.

Shenzhou-21 Crew
Zhang Lu (张陆) - Commander & Pilot - 2nd spaceflight
Wu Fei (武飞)  Flight Engineer - 1st spaceflight
Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章) - Payload Specialist - 1st spaceflight

The Nebulous Realm of Wolf-Rayet Star 134 in Cygnus

This cosmic snapshot covers a field of view over twice as wide as the full Moon within the boundaries of the high-flying constellation Cygnus. Made using astronomical narrowband filters, the image highlights the bright edge of a ring-like nebula traced by the glow of ionized hydrogen and oxygen gas. Embedded in the region's expanse of interstellar clouds, the complex, glowing arcs are sections of shells of material swept up by the wind from Wolf-Rayet star WR 134, the brightest star near image center. 

Distance estimates put WR 134 about 6,000 light-years away, making this telescopic frame over 100 light-years across. Shedding their outer envelopes in powerful stellar winds, massive Wolf-Rayet stars have burned through their nuclear fuel at a prodigious rate and end their final phase of massive star evolution in a spectacular supernova. Their stellar winds and final supernova explosion enrich the interstellar material with heavy elements to be incorporated in future generations of stars.