SHENZHEN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- An electromyography (EMG) monitor device developed by a Chinese research team recently completed its in-orbit experiment. The device can be used in space for real-time assessment of astronauts' muscle status and human-machine interaction, providing key technical support for astronaut health protection and space-based human-machine interaction technology.
The Qingzhou Cargo Spacecraft Test Vehicle released its latest batch of in-orbit test results on Monday, including the EMG monitor device developed by a team from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT).
The Qingzhou Cargo Spacecraft Test Vehicle was launched into space on March 30, 2026. It carried five medical projects, which included the EMG monitor device, for the world's first future space hospital proposed by SUAT.
Astronauts who spend extended periods in microgravity experience significantly reduce muscle loading. This leads to less frequent muscle fiber contractions and accelerated protein breakdown, resulting in issues such as muscle atrophy. Accurately and continuously monitoring astronauts' muscle health in real time remains a key challenge in space life science and aerospace medicine.
Currently, the International Space Station mainly uses muscle strength testing and ultrasound imaging, while China's space station assesses muscle atrophy through operational force and optical measurements. However, existing methods generally suffer from high costs, insufficient real-time continuity, and an inability to directly document muscle status.
The team led by SIAT researcher Wang Yishan proposed an EMG monitoring solution based on nerve signal detection, enabling dynamic assessment of muscle status through real-time acquisition and analysis of EMG signals.
Building on a previously self-developed nerve signal detection chip, the team made the EMG detection device and completed aerospace adaptation modifications. To meet the requirements of the device in complex space environments, the team conducted ground experiments including vibration testing, thermal cycling testing, and payload-spacecraft interface matching to ensure the stability and reliability of the chip and device in space.
After the launch of the Qingzhou Cargo Spacecraft Test Vehicle, the team carried out the in-orbit test. Under remote control from the ground, the test completed simulated data acquisition, storage, and transmission tasks.
The data received on the ground showed that the test went smoothly. The results from the device matched the expected data, indicating that the chip and device can operate stably and reliably in microgravity and are suitable for space working conditions.
The success of this in-orbit test further promotes the space life support technology and could feed back into the development of ground-based medical health, human-machine interaction, and smart wearables.
The results released this time also include a handheld blood cell analyzer, which no longer depends on bulky medical equipment or instructions from the ground.
SUAT signed an agreement with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to jointly build the future space hospital in July 2025.
The initiative aims to enhance astronaut health protection and improve human health, and expand capabilities for in-orbit medical monitoring and life support systems, with focuses on advanced disease prevention and treatment. ■
