China plans to bring animal sperm samples into space onboard the Shenzhou VI as part of the country's second manned mission, which is scheduled for early October this year.

This is a first in China's space voyages history. Previous space breeding experiments were conducted using plant seeds.

The Chongqing Academy of Animal Husbandry Science (CAAHS) recently signed a contract with the space-breeding center of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Under the agreement, the Shenzhou VI will carry 40 grams of pig sperm. The sperm samples will be taken from two carefully chosen Rongchang pigs, according to a CAAHS official.

Named after Rongchang County of Chongqing, the Rongchang pig is a prized animal, known for its outstanding figure and meat quality.

In October, part of the chosen sperm will be put inside the biological capsule onboard the Shenzhen VI. The other will be carried on the outside of the spacecraft. Chinese scientists theorize that conditions in outer space, including micro-gravity and cosmic rays, could change the sperm genes, and the changes would depend on how they are stored.

The sperm will be left in space for four to five days. Back on Earth, the sperm will be artificially inseminated into female pig eggs in test tubes. Results of the experiment should be available in two years, according to breeders.

Wang Jinyong, head of the CAAHS breeding center, said that his academy has invested more than two million yuan (US$240,963) in related researches and equipment for the upcoming test.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2005)