The T shaped three-module core structure of Tiangong space station has been recently assembled, marking the final stage of the Project. Mengtian space lab module, as one of the three, is mainly used for the experiments of space science and applications, and houses nine experimental cabinets. The aerospace basic experimental cabinet contains the disinfection and sterilization module for the tests on space microbial prevention and control technology, which is the pride of Southwest Jiaotong University and the research result of a team headed by Prof. Zhou Zuowan and Associate Prof. Xu Xiaoling.

the working module of the Mengtian space lab module

The team cooperated with Chinese Academy of Space Technology and developed a series of antimicrobial materials for the scientific and technical experiments during the design and construction of space stations such as “Tiangong-1”, “Tiangong-2” and “Shenzhou-11”. In addition, the antimicrobial and disinfectant products from the University were transported to the space stations by “Tianzhou” cargo spacecraft and have become an essential part of the microbial control for the taikonaut crews of “Shenzhou-12”, “Shenzhou-13” and “Shenzhou-14”.