Four mice returned to Earth with Chinese astronauts after a delayed mission triggered by capsule damage, offering new insights into how microgravity affects small mammals.
Four mice returned to Earth on Friday alongside Chinese astronauts after their stay in orbit was extended due to suspected debris damage to their return capsule.
The two male and two female mice were immediately transferred to researchers for behavioral and physiological studies.
According to CCTV, the animals ate less but drank more while adapting quickly to the microgravity environment.
Their trip home was delayed over a week after cracks were found in the Shenzhou-20 capsule’s window, forcing the crew to return aboard the newly arrived Shenzhou-21.
Scientists received 46.67 kilograms of experimental samples for further research in life, materials and combustion sciences.
