Published on: 2026-09-21
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Tianjin, September 21 /Xinhua/ — So far, China has cultivated more than 20 varieties belonging to 14 species of plants in orbit, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center reported, describing this as a milestone that lays the foundation for large-scale plant cultivation aboard the space station.
This technical breakthrough was noted at the First All-China Conference on Aerospace Medical Engineering in the city of Tianjin /Northern China/. Zhang Hongzhang, a crew member of the manned spacecraft “Shenzhou-21,” shared photos and videos of the thriving “space park” on the Chinese space station, where lettuce, carrots, sunflowers, potatoes, and wheat were visible.
For China, the era of extended manned spaceflights began in October 2021, when the crew members of Shenzhou-13, Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu moved into the core module of the Chinese space station Tianhe.
“Long-term spaceflight requires us to reduce dependence on supplies delivered from Earth. Therefore, the experiments we conduct to create a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) aim to establish an ecosystem in space that can regenerate water, air, and food, reducing dependence on Earth and even achieving self-sufficiency,” said Bian Qiang, an expert from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.
The CELSS technology uses an artificially constructed, closed, and controlled ecosystem to provide highly efficient recirculation and regeneration of air, water, and food for astronauts in orbit, creating a life support and health protection system suitable for long-term human habitation.
According to Bian Qiang, currently there are continuously operating two types of plant growing installations on board the space station: one based on substrate culture, and the other using the aeroponics method. Together, they provide researchers with valuable experience in creating a basic life support system that relies mainly on physical and chemical recycling, while biological regeneration plays a supplementary role.
“A more efficient aeroponic system was sent to the space station in 2025. Since then, we have completed a full cycle of growing wheat in orbit, and using its seeds, a second round of cultivation has already been organized. The plant is growing well; the harvest is near,” the expert said.
He does not rule out that as the lunar program progresses, China will develop a “garden” on the Moon.
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