Astronauts' health seen as core part of space station tech

As China advances steadily toward its goal of building a manned space station, the country's medical experts are playing an indispensable role in the grand program, according to a leading scientist.

Du Jichen, a member of the Paris-based International Academy of Astronautics and president of the Aerospace Center Hospital in Beijing, said that medical experts are conducting extensive research to prepare Chinese astronauts for the coming space station mission.

"We're now focused on the impact on astronauts' health during long-term space missions," Du said.