Macaques in space

Chinese scientists will conduct an experiment on the reproduction of monkeys on the Tiangong space station

AnnieBronson, Habr

Chinese scientists are planning to conduct a reproductive experiment on monkeys on the Tiangong space station. They hope that the study will help to better understand how the body adapts to microgravity and other conditions in space, explains SCMP.

The experiment is planned to be carried out in the largest compartment of the station, where two units for biological tests have already been installed. There is enough space in them so far only for algae, fish or snails, but they can be expanded and reconfigured. After studies with small animals, an experiment involving macaques will begin, which will show how animals feel and reproduce in space, said Zhang Lu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, who is involved in the development of auxiliary equipment.

The organisms of larger animals, especially monkeys, are quite similar to human ones, scientists point out. According to Kehkui Ki, a professor at Tsinghua University School of Medicine, as more and more countries plan long-term settlements in orbit around the Moon or Mars, research on how these organisms adapt to space will be necessary. They will help answer the question of whether people will be able to reproduce in space. 

This question has occupied scientists for many years. In 1992, a married couple, astronauts Jan Davis and Mark Lee, were sent to the ISS, but, according to NASA, no one has had sex in space yet. As Adam Watkins, professor of reproductive physiology at the University of Nottingham, notes, in zero gravity it will be much more difficult than it seems at first glance.

"Firstly, it will be difficult to stay in close contact with each other in zero gravity. Secondly, due to the decrease in blood pressure in space, maintaining an erection and arousal will be more difficult than on Earth. Finally, the complete lack of personal space on shuttles and spaceships means that there are no rooms in which to retire for a while."

The planned experiment with monkeys will have its own difficulties. Firstly, the animals will require care: astronauts will have to feed them and deal with waste. In addition, it is unclear whether the monkeys will cooperate. Although laboratory monkeys were raised in cages, prolonged confinement in a small space can greatly affect their condition and mood.

"On earth, a panicked monkey can be calmed down with toys, music, or simply released to other monkeys," the researchers point out. "Taking care of animals, maintaining their good mood and comfort on the space station will be a new challenge for astronauts."

Currently, China is the only country that has its own space station. Last week, the last major module, the Mengtian, docked to the Tiangong. Tiangong is expected to become the largest human outpost in Earth orbit after the decommissioning of the ISS in the next few years.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru