Chinese mouse gave birth in space: first mammalian offspring after flight.

According to ТСН: The Shenzhou-21 space mission from China has become a true scientific breakthrough in biology: one of the "astronaut" mice gave birth to nine healthy pups. This is the first confirmation that the short-term effects of microgravity and radiation do not disrupt the reproductive functions of mammals.

Four laboratory mice sent into space returned to Earth, and one of them became a mother. This scientific fact, while seemingly ordinary, could significantly impact our understanding of life's possibilities beyond our planet.

The mice numbered 6, 98, 154, and 186 were launched on the Shenzhou-21 ship to an orbital station located about 400 km above Earth. For two weeks, the animals were subjected to microgravity, cosmic radiation, and a specific environment. On November 14, they successfully returned, and on December 10, one of the females gave birth to nine healthy pups.

Scientific results

Scientists had already conducted experiments using the sperm of mice after space flights to fertilize females on Earth.

As a result, six pups survived, which is a normal indicator. The female fully nourishes her offspring, and the young mice show activity and develop without deviations.

"Short-term stay in space did not affect the reproductive capabilities of the mice," notes the researcher from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wang Hongmei.

The experiment had a clear scientific goal and was not a formal trial. The mice are genetically similar to humans, reproduce quickly, and demonstrate physiological responses similar to humans. Therefore, serious reproductive issues in mammals would likely manifest in these animals.

Mission challenges

However, the mission faced some difficulties. The change in the return schedule of the Shenzhou-20 ship threatened to delay the mice in orbit and cause food shortages.

Ground specialists quickly suggested alternatives for feeding, including pressed biscuits, corn, hazelnuts, and soy milk. After laboratory tests, soy milk was recognized as the safest product. Water was supplied to the module through an external port, while artificial intelligence was used to monitor the animals' activity, diet, and sleep in real-time, helping to predict resource consumption.

The conditions in orbit were carefully adjusted. Lighting aligned with the Earth schedule — from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM — promoting the maintenance of circadian rhythms. The diet was sufficient yet specially firm to allow mice to wear down their teeth. Ventilation ensured cleanliness, expelling fur and waste into special containers.

Future research

Scientists will continue monitoring the "space mice," analyzing their growth and any potential physiological changes related to the space influence on the mother. The offspring's ability to reproduce will be studied separately to assess potential consequences for future generations.

This research is important not only for mouse biology. Before long human flights to Mars or the establishment of permanent bases on the Moon, scientists need to understand whether it is really possible to reproduce life in space.

Can mammals conceive, carry, and give birth to offspring in conditions of reduced gravity? Are cosmic rays capable of damaging reproductive cells such that the effects manifest only in the subsequent generations? One successful case of mice giving birth does not provide exhaustive answers but marks an important step forward.

Interestingly, earlier research from Kyoto University proved that frozen mouse stem cells retain fertility even after six months on the International Space Station. After returning to Earth and transplanting the cells, the mice gave birth to healthy offspring without genetic deviations, indicating the possibility of long-term preservation of reproductive material in conditions of microgravity and radiation.