Shenzhou XXIII Crew Runs Brain Experiments in Orbit
Three astronauts aboard China's Tiangong space station are conducting brain-science studies during their extended mission.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Space
The Shenzhou XXIII crew, including Hong Kong's first astronaut Lai Ka-ying, has carried out electroencephalogram and near-infrared brain-imaging experiments on the Tiangong space station. The China Manned Space Agency released video of the work, which followed suit inspections and emergency survival training.
Why it matters
The experiments examine how the human brain's networks and motor and sensory processing behave in microgravity over long stays. Such data bears on crew health and performance for future long-duration missions.
The crew has spent more than five months aboard Tiangong of a planned six-month mission that launched May 24. Published results from the EEG and near-infrared brain-imaging studies have not yet been reported.
The players
Lai Ka-ying
Lai Ka-ying is Hong Kong's first astronaut and a member of the Shenzhou XXIII crew.
China Manned Space Agency
The China Manned Space Agency oversees China's crewed spaceflight program, including the Shenzhou missions and the Tiangong space station.
The details
Astronauts used electroencephalogram equipment for brain-network monitoring, visual-motor processing studies, and light-response investigations, alongside near-infrared imaging of brain networks. The crew also performed tactile perception and force-control tests, cleaned containerless processing sample chambers, inspected intravehicular pressure suits, and carried out station maintenance.
Timeline
May 24: Shenzhou XXIII launches with three astronauts for a six-month mission.
Last week: Crew conducts EEG brain experiments and suit inspections.
Sunday: China Manned Space Agency releases video of the crew experiments.
Roadmap
The brain-science work extends the in-orbit research program Tiangong has run during crewed stays, moving human physiology studies into neural imaging. It places China's station alongside other crewed platforms studying how long-duration spaceflight affects the body and mind.
Findings on brain function in microgravity could eventually inform crew health protocols and cognitive-performance monitoring for longer missions. Any resulting medical or training applications on Earth remain a longer-term prospect.
The takeaway
Long-duration spaceflight is pushing research beyond physical fitness toward the brain itself. Watching how these neural studies develop will show how crews stay sharp on extended missions.
Further reading
Explore more in our Space coverage for context on China's crewed missions and station research.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chinadailyhk.
