China graduates in defense of the scientific experiments of its pioneers

The controversy arose on Chinese networks when, in a program that sought to encourage scientific curiosity in children, it was possible to see how Chinese astronauts used glass and water in an educational experiment, but netizens quickly considered that neither the object nor the liquid behaved properly in an environment of zero gravity.

This prompted network users to wonder if the video was actually recorded in space.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, among other organizations, came out of the controversy to confirm that the images were correct and were taken on December 9 by three members of the manned Shenzhou-13 mission, which returned to Earth last spring.

The agency explained that unlike the one-way valve opening bags that astronauts usually use to drink water, the water cup is an educational material they prepared for class, and that it was attached to the table to allow them to. an experience.

According to an earlier report by China News Network, Pang Zhihao, a science communications expert, explained that there are many ways astronauts can “pour” water into a cup, such as first sealing the glass with a membrane, and then injecting the water with a membrane. needle.

“If netizens had watched the entire course, they wouldn’t ask these questions, because right after that, Wang Yaping picked up the glass from the table and pushed it, causing it to float in the air,” Science and Technology Daily reported.

The science experiments are part of Shenzhou’s manned missions, the main task of which is the construction of the Tiangong space station, which should be ready by the end of this year, according to original plans.

The Chinese space station, whose name means “heavenly palace” in Mandarin, will weigh about 70 tons and is expected to operate for 15 years and orbit 400 km above the Earth’s surface.