As astronauts continue to break records for time spent in space, and manned Mars exploration is under discussion, scientists in China have begun a groundbreaking study to determine whether humans can reproduce in space.

Scientists will for the first time conduct an experiment to induce the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into germ cells on China's first cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou 1.

The experiment aims to study the effects of the space environment on human reproduction, beginning with the study of microgravity on human stem cells and germ cells, said Kehkooi Kee, lead researcher for the project.