It is believed that cognitive physics will become the direction of the new century of physics, explaining human intelligence with the theories and methods of physics, simulating human thinking activities with physical machines, and relying on violent thinking to condense millions of years of human cognition into today's silicon−based machines to generate artificial intelligence. It is believed that cognitive physics has broken through the boundaries of traditional cognitive science, reconstructing the underlying logic and cognitive framework of human understanding of the essence of intelligence. Matter, energy, structure and time are the most fundamental elements of both human and machine cognition. Human intelligence and machine intelligence have the same physical origin, the same mathematical structure and the same operational sequence, all based on the physical law of entropy. The keys to activating the machine are the clock, timing sequence and recursion. The "Turing Test" in the intelligent era will no longer be a subjective test. It explains the scale mismatch between genetic evolution and cognitive evolution, liberating intelligence from the long−term entanglement and disturbance of the black box of human consciousness, making it transparent and physically explainable, moving from being unique to humans to symbiosis, integration and co−growth of humans and machines. Proposing that cognitive physics is an ideological revolution worthy of serious attention and represents the physics of the 21st century.

Since its full completion at the end of 2022, the China's Space Station has been operating stably in orbit, providing important opportunities for high−level space science research and applications. This paper reviews the planning and main considerations for science and utilization missions since the station's construction phase, and outlines the research priorities in various fields as well as the internationally advanced space−ground integrated experiment support capabilities. Over the three years of in−orbit operation, important research progress has been made in space biological and physical sciences, revealing new phenomena and new mechanisms, application benefits gradually emerging. Major space astronomy projects, such as the Chinese Space−station Survey Telescope (CSST) and the High−energy Cosmic Radiation Detection Facility are being intensive developed. For the next 10 to 15 years, it is recommended to further consolidate objectives based on different types of research, highlight key priorities, enhance scientific data governance, innovate research paradigms and create a trend of breakthroughs, to continuously produce major achievements in frontier science, systematic understanding of applied research, and significant benefits from translational applications. This will promote the high−level development of space science and applications in China, and make contributing to the scientific and technological powerhouse.

As the development of manned space technology, how to grow and reproduce plant under microgravity in space for long−term has become an important research topic. In addition, understanding the gravitropic response mechanism is of great significance for comprehending the nature of crops adapting the Earth's gravity environment and breeding high−yield crops for controlled ecological life support system (CELSS) in space. In recent years, as application of biology techniques in the study of plant gravitropic responses and microgravity adaptation, along with improved multi−omics platforms and simulated microgravity devices, the mechanism of gravitropism in plants has been relatively thoroughly elucidated. We summarize the key scientific issues of the recent advances in the study of gravitropic and microgravity responses, and systematically review the research progress on plants in space at physiological, gene and protein expression, cell structure, phenotypic and developmental process levels. Furthermore, we discussed and prospected the challenges and issues concerning the lack of systematic theoretical construction and resource constraints under closed cultivation modes for in-situ food production in future manned deep-space exploration.

Long−term exposure to microgravity causes significant bone loss in astronauts, posing a major threat to human health and limiting the implementation of deep−space exploration missions. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms, experimental advances, and major countermeasures related to microgravity−induced bone loss, with a particular focus on relevant research progress in China. Current evidence indicates that weightlessness disrupts the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, characterized by enhanced osteoclastic activity, impaired osteogenic function, abnormal osteocyte apoptosis, and disturbances in calcium metabolism and endocrine regulation, ultimately leading to bone mass loss. Human spaceflight studies, animal experiments, and ground−based simulation models have further revealed the multi−level effects of microgravity on bone structure and function. Although exercise, nutritional supplementation, pharmacological interventions, and mechanical stimulation can partially alleviate bone loss, their protective efficacy remains limited. Future studies should integrate multi−omics approaches with advanced simulation models to further elucidate the mechanisms of spaceflight−induced bone loss and optimize comprehensive countermeasure strategies.

Space oncology is an emerging discipline that leverages the unique space environment—including high-Z and high-energy (HZE) particle radiation, microgravity, and their combined effects—to investigate the fundamental and translational aspects of cancer initiation, progression, diagnosis, and therapy. This review presents the research background and scientific significance of space oncology and systematically summarizes major domestic and international research initiatives and recent progress. Special emphasis is placed on two core directions: carcinogenesis of normal cells and proliferation inhibition/death of cancer cells under space radiation conditions. The underlying mechanisms are discussed, including DNA damage repair, non-coding RNA regulation, cytoskeletal dynamics, organelle crosstalk (e.g., mitochondria), and microenvironment remodeling. Key scientific challenges currently facing the field include the unclear dose-response relationship between cancer risk and the different qualities of space radiation, unvalidated molecular mechanisms of tumor suppression, and poorly understood differences in individual radiosensitivity. With the completion of the China Space Station and the establishment of ground-based simulation platforms, China has unique infrastructure and collaborative network advantages. To advance the field, five major scientific questions should be systematically addressed: dose-response relationships, carcinogenic mechanisms, individual susceptibility, stress response and death of cancer cells, and tumor microenvironment regulation. A three-phase roadmap is proposed: short-term to build databases and collaborative networks, medium-term to expand cancer types and promote clinical translation, and long-term to establish a theoretical framework and support deep-space health. The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive theoretical system for space oncology, thereby providing novel strategies for human health protection and for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment on Earth.

The Containerless Materials Rack (CMR) aboard the China Space Station (CSS), in operation since 2021, is currently one of the most advanced in−orbit materials science platforms internationally. This article reviews its technological innovations, operational architecture, and key scientific achievements. Technically, CMR couples a semiconductor laser (LD) and a CO₂ laser, with electrostatic position control precision of ±0.1 mm, vacuum better than 10⁻⁴ Pa, and the apparatus can deliver a pressurized environment up to 3 standard atmospheres, and a sample cartridge accommodating 29 specimens, supporting a wide range of materials including conductive metals as well as non−conductive oxides, glasses, and semiconductors. CMR has conducted 22 experimental projects and completed in−orbit experiments on 1005 samples, with a maximum on−orbit melt temperature above 3100℃. In refractory alloys, metallic functional materials, bioactive glasses, and planetary−science analogues, the platform has enabled accurate measurements of thermophysical properties (density, viscosity, surface tension) of alloy melts under deep undercooling, and has uncovered microgravity−specific solidification mechanisms including surface wave−vortex coupled microstructures, decoupled eutectic growth, liquid–liquid phase separation, monotectic phase selection, and oriented single−crystal growth. Homogeneous bioactive Ca−Ti−Si glasses for bone repair were produced, and the first containerless solidification of chondrules and calcium−aluminum−rich inclusions (CAI) was achieved, revealing that silicon−diffusion−limited kinetics dominate nebular mineral evolution under microgravity. These results demonstrate that CMR has elevated China's space materials science to or beyond the international state of the art, providing a solid scientific and technological foundation for new−materials development, terrestrial process optimization, and in−situ resource utilization (ISRU) in future deep−space missions.

The microgravity environment in space can eliminate interference factors such as buoyancy convection and container wall effect induced by gravity, offering unique experimental conditions for materials science research. To explore the new laws of material preparation in the space environment and develop high−performance novel materials that are challenging to obtain on Earth, this paper reviews the overall progress of 19 space material science experiments conducted by the High−temperature Material Science Experiment Rack in the Mengtian Experimental Module of the China Space Station (CSS) since its launch in 2022. Meanwhile, the research findings of six representative projects are emphasized, including the preparation of topological superconducting single crystals, the growth of multicomponent semiconductor alloys, the preparation of flexible semiconductor crystals, the manufacturing of iron−based superconducting materials, the solidification of Al−Si alloys, and the research on the impurity segregation mechanism. The research indicates that the microgravity environment can effectively promote the improvement of material component uniformity, crystal integrity, crystallization quality, and doping concentration, thereby enhancing material performance. The relevant results provide important experimental evidence and theoretical support for space materials science research and future in−situ space manufacturing.

This research work aims to investigate the gravitational effect of intrusion dynamics in fluidized granular media under low−gravity environments, in order to support engineering applications such as lunar and asteroid exploration, simulation of low−gravity geological processes, and space powder processing technology. Through the drop tower experiment, the gravity−sensitive dependence law of the resistance and the penetration rate correlation when a cylinder moves uniformly through a granular bed was measured. In the 0−1g gravity environments provided by the variable gravity cabinet aboard the Chinese space station, a high−precision Hall sensor array was used to track the trajectory of a single magnetic ball in the vibrating fluidized granular medium. It was found that the resistance significantly increased with the moving speed under 0g conditions, while the rate correlation significantly weakened under 1g condition. Further experimental investigation on the space station revealed a significant dependence of the scaled damping coefficient and the hydrostatic pressure coefficient on gravity. These findings provide important evidence for the mechanics of granular media in asteroid exploration and lunar base construction, and deepen our understanding of particle separation (Brazil fruit effect) and the planetary formation process.

It is of great scientific significance and practical value to study soft matter and complex fluid systems by means of the unique conditions of the microgravity environment. This paper presents the characteristics of soft matter, complex fluids, and the related microgravity research. Notably, the establishment and operation of the China Space Station have provided strong support for the microgravity research on soft matter and complex fluids. It summarizes the domestic and international research status in the field of microgravity research on soft matter and complex fluids, and analyzes the challenges and difficulties including limited space resources, experimental technologies and equipment limitations, and the integration of theory and experiment. Looking forward, it identifies the key issues in the future microgravity research on soft matter and complex fluids, and puts forward the vision of developing more advanced microgravity experimental equipment and technologies. Given the nature of the microgravity research on soft matter and complex fluids, it is recommended to combine the multidisciplinary knowledge such as physics, chemistry, biology, and materials sciences for interdisciplinary and cross−institutional studies. Meanwhile, international cooperation should be carried out to jointly promote the vigorous development of this research field.

Microgravity environment eliminates the influence of buoyancy−driven convection, revealing the intrinsic characteristics and underlying mechanisms of combustion phenomena. Since the mid−20th century, when the microgravity droplet combustion model was first proposed, NASA leveraging drop tower experimental facilities, Space Shuttle experiments, and international collaboration has driven transformative advancements in fundamental combustion science through droplet, gas, and solid combustion experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). For instance, ISS experiments first observed droplet cool flames, confirming the sustainability of low−temperature oxidation pathways. Studies on the transition mechanisms of laminar jet flames to turbulence and the formation mechanisms of soot shells have provided new perspectives for optimizing terrestrial combustion technologies. Additionally, data on flame extinction limits and material flammability tests from the ISS have necessitated fundamental revisions to spacecraft fire safety standards. The Combustion Science Rack aboard the Chinese Space Station (operational since 2022) has planned experiments in areas such as near−limit and fundamental combustion research, material ignition properties and fire protection under microgravity, and important mechanisms of combustion applications. However, gaps remain in validating fundamental theories, diversifying experimental equipment, and deepening international collaboration. Moving forward, China must integrate drop tower experiments, space−based platforms, and interdisciplinary research to further embrace cutting−edge microgravity combustion challenges, supporting both spacecraft fire safety and energy innovation on Earth.

Complex plasmas are composed of ionized gas and microparticles. As plasma state of soft matter, they play an important role in the fundamental physics and applications. Complex plasma research has always been an important research topic on board the space stations. The basic properties of complex plasmas are introduced, focusing on the charging mechanism and particle interactions. Four generations of microgravity facilities on the Mir Station and International Space Station with dc and rf discharges are described with six representative research topics, including charge induced coagulation, three−dimensional crystallization and melting, phase separation in binary complex plasma, electrorheology and string formation, dust acoustic wave driven by discharge polarity reversal and frequency synchronization, and vortex formed by particle flow. Related ground experiments are compared. An introduction to the design and functions of the future complex facilities on the International Space Station and Chinese Space Station are given.

Provincial laboratories are an important component of China's laboratory system. It is of great significance to utilize local fiscal funds to support the construction of provincial laboratories and achieve regional scientific and technological strategic goals. Based on field research and statistical data, this paper sorts out the achievements of provincial laboratory construction in China, summarizes the problems existing in the fiscal support for the construction of provincial laboratories, including scattered fiscal investment, biased investment direction, rigid fund usage mechanism, and failure to form a multi−party co−construction investment approach. In the future, measures such as streamlining and integrating provincial laboratories, improving diversified investment mechanisms, breaking through institutional and mechanism obstacles, and establishing an orderly fiscal exit mechanism can be taken to further promote the construction of high−level provincial laboratories.

Liu Yongtan is a renowned radar expert in China, a member of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a recipient of the "Role Model of the Times" honorary title, and the winner of the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award. This paper reviews the historical process in which Liu Yongtan, responding to the national defense security demands for new−system radar technology, broke through the blockade imposed by Western countries, conducted scheme demonstration, experimental construction, theoretical breakthroughs, and application practice for new−system radar. He successfully brought China's key core technologies in new−system radar to the internationally advanced level, significantly enhancing national defense capabilities. This demonstrates his spirit of a scientist, characterized by patriotism, striving for excellence, dedicated research, bold innovation, intensive collaboration, and indifference to fame and fortune.