China’s space agency has ambitious plans with its Tiangong space station. A robot named Xiao Hang, meaning “little astronaut,” is being used on the station to assist astronauts with their daily tasks. This robot is being tested during the Shenzhou-19 mission and may play a larger role in the station’s operations and maintenance in the future.
The crew of the Shenzhou-19 mission, which started on October 29, 2024, is working closely with Xiao Hang. The robot can move autonomously in zero gravity, position itself precisely, and take photos on command. According to Wang Haoze, China’s first space engineer, Xiao Hang will become more versatile in future missions: “Thanks to upgrades, he will be able to perform various functions such as cabin inspections and resource management.”
The robot’s software allows astronauts to conduct a variety of experiments related to human-robot interactions, robot behavior characterization, and multimodal interaction technologies. These experiments aim to improve mission efficiency through better interaction between astronauts and robot systems.
Astronauts are also conducting numerous experiments to study the effects of microgravity on the human body. These include detailed movement measurements using precise instruments and special software. The results aim to provide new insights into how astronauts’ fine motor skills and adaptive learning change during long space missions.
Another interesting experiment investigates the effects of submagnetic fields and microgravity on insects. The Tiangong team is researching fruit flies, the first species to reproduce over three generations on the space station. Findings from this study could help improve living conditions for future long-term missions.
The Tiangong space station is about one-fifth the size of the International Space Station (ISS). China plans to keep the station permanently manned for at least another decade. More modules are planned to be added in the coming years to increase the station’s capacity.
The use of Xiao Hang and the planned expansion of the station demonstrate China’s serious ambitions to play a central role in international space exploration. As the ISS is expected to be decommissioned by 2030, Tiangong could become the world’s leading permanently manned space station. AI-supported systems like Xiao Hang could not only take over routine tasks but also significantly enhance crew safety and mission efficiency.