China plans to send monkeys to its new Tiangong space station to study how they grow and reproduce in a zero-gravity environment. The South China Morning Post report, citing scientist Zhang Luo, who heads the space station’s science instruments, said the research would be conducted in the space station’s largest module, which would be used for life science experiments. The module’s two biological test cabinets currently only fit algae, fish or snails, but can be expanded and reconfigured. “These experiments will help improve our understanding of organismal adaptation to microgravity and other space environments,” the report quoted Dr. Lu as saying.
However, previous research has assessed the reproduction of small species in space, including zebrafish and insects. According to the researchers, there are a number of difficulties associated with conducting such studies in more complex living forms such as rats and primates. Soviet scientists sent rats into space for an 18-day mating experiment, but upon returning to Earth, found that none of the rodents had given birth. These huge animals face various challenges when mating in zero gravity.
The researchers highlight problems with feeding the monkeys and disposing of their feces during the experiment. It is also reported that because this may affect sexual behavior, the monkeys should be kept relaxed and comfortable in their space station habitats. Currently, the Tiangong Space Station is home to three astronauts: Chen Dong, Cai Xueze and Liu Yang, two men and one woman.
