Chang'e 4 sprout marks mankind's first moon-based biological experiment

According to a report from guancha.cn, a "mini-ecosphere" in a cylindrical container developed by Chongqing University is aboard Chang'e 4.

The mini-ecosphere has six biological samples — cotton, oilseed rape, potato, Arabidopsis, yeast and fruit fly — as well as soil, water and air.

The mini-ecosphere simulates living environments of these life beings on Earth and is designed to explore methods to provide supplies to future space expeditions.

The growth of the potato, a potential food source during space journeys, will be broadcast live to the whole world through cameras mounted inside the cylindrical container.