Flies in the Chinese space station Tiangong 🛰️

Onboard the Chinese Tiangong space station, flies play a key role in studying the effects of weightlessness and the space environment on living organisms.

Last November, 15 adult flies and 40 pupae joined the human crew of Tiangong. These daring insects are not there by chance: Chinese researchers aim to analyze the combined effects of microgravity and a hypomagnetic environment on fundamental biological processes.


On Earth, the magnetic field acts as a natural shield against cosmic radiation. In low Earth orbit, where this field is partially present, Tiangong hosts an innovative experiment recreating conditions similar to the absence of this shield.

Fruit flies, or Drosophila melanogaster, are ideal models for this research. Their genome is 60% similar to that of humans, and their short life cycle allows scientists to quickly observe the effects of a space environment.

These small insects are also perfect partners for space experiments. They require minimal resources, reproduce rapidly, and are easy to maintain. These characteristics make them ideal for exploring molecular mechanisms and biological rhythms in extreme conditions.

Using fruit flies in laboratories is not new. For decades, they have been used in genetic and biomedical research, including in space. The International Space Station (ISS) has already conducted several similar experiments using a mini-laboratory dedicated to these insects.

This Chinese project, however, goes a step further. By recreating a hypomagnetic environment and comparing the results with terrestrial conditions, scientists hope to better understand the biological impacts of space on living organisms.

Ultimately, these studies could help prepare for long-duration manned missions. Upcoming steps include sending mice to study the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems in detail in space.

As humanity gears up for long-term exploration of areas without a magnetic field, this research will yield critical data.

Why study flies in space?

Fruit flies, though modest, are invaluable models for researchers. About 60% of their genes are similar to those of humans, enabling the study of complex biological processes.

In space, they help understand the effects of microgravity and radiation on living organisms. These conditions are impossible to replicate accurately on Earth, making space a unique research environment.

Thanks to their short life cycle, these insects quickly provide data across several generations. This makes it possible to observe how their biology evolves in an extreme environment.