BREMEN, Germany — During the recent Shijian-19 mission, China successfully carried out an on-orbit test of a small expandable module, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s space exploration efforts. This update comes more than a month after the spacecraft’s return to Earth, shedding light on its innovative technologies.
The Shijian-19 retrievable satellite, weighing approximately 3,500 kilograms, was launched aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the launch site in Jiuquan on September 27, and it landed at the Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert on the evening of October 10, following a mission lasting about two weeks.
The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), the organization behind the manufacturing of both the Shijian-19 satellite and the test module, announced that the “inflatable flexible sealed module” successfully completed its orbital test according to a statement released on November 21. This achievement highlights China’s advancements in aerospace technology.
CAST characterized the module as a multifunctional sealed structure crafted from advanced flexible composite materials. Their assessment of the mission was overwhelmingly positive, deeming it a complete success. CAST is a vital entity within the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which has also been instrumental in developing various modules for the Tiangong space station.
CAST further explained that the module remains in a compressed and folded state during launch, expanding upon reaching orbit. This innovative design offers considerable advantages, including lightweight construction, high folding efficiency, and flexibility. The technology is regarded as a promising strategy for constructing large-scale sealed modules in space, marking a pivotal development in sealed module technology.
In achieving this breakthrough, the company utilized its extensive expertise in areas such as system design, structural engineering, mechanisms, thermal control, and understanding the space environment. Such multidisciplinary proficiency was essential to validate the module’s performance during its orbital test.
To ensure the module’s capabilities, ground-based assessments—including airtightness, debris resistance, extreme pressure tolerances, vibration resistance, and thermal vacuum evaluations—were carried out in collaboration with partner organizations, underscoring China’s commitment to rigorous testing protocols.
In a further demonstration of its expanding ambitions, China announced plans to enhance the Tiangong space station by introducing a multifunctional module designed to facilitate docking for new modules. Although initial renders depict rigid modules akin to those currently operational, the integration of an inflatable habitat module could play a crucial role in the upcoming expansion.
A render of an expanded Tiangong space station, with the addition of a planned multi-functional expansion module and an arriving Mengzhou new-gen crewed spacecraft. Via CMSEO pic.twitter.com/a8HMNdArMx — Andrew Jones (@AJ_FI) November 21, 2024
The Shijian-19 mission represents a significant advancement in China’s space capabilities, akin to the BEAM demonstration by Bigelow Aerospace aboard the International Space Station, albeit on a smaller scale and shorter duration. Numerous companies, including Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space, are concurrently exploring inflatable habitat technologies for potential deployment in post-ISS commercial space stations in low Earth orbit.
This mission was highlighted by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) as the inaugural test of a new generation of high-performance reusable and retrievable space test platforms, underscoring China’s ongoing development in the field of space technology.
In addition to the expandable module, the Shijian-19 mission carried a variety of payloads and experiments, such as essential staple and industrial crops for irradiation experiments targeting beneficial mutations, along with microbial specimens and various space technology experiments.
The Shijian-19 spacecraft is designed for short-duration missions lasting around two weeks. A future long-term configuration, which will feature solar arrays on its propulsion and power module, is expected to support prolonged experiments in the orbital environment.
The successful test of the inflatable module not only bridges a technological gap in China’s current capabilities but also paves the way for potential future applications in deep space exploration, as well as the establishment of sustainable orbital habitats.
How does the development of inflatable habitats impact the design and functionality of the Tiangong space station and its future missions?
**Interview with Dr. Li Wei, Aerospace Engineer at the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Li. Your recent work on the Shijian-19 mission has garnered significant attention. Can you start by explaining what the Shijian-19 mission entailed and its importance for China’s space program?
**Dr. Li Wei**: Thank you for having me. The Shijian-19 mission was a critical step for our space exploration efforts. We launched a retrievable satellite weighing approximately 3,500 kilograms aboard a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan on September 27. After spending around two weeks in orbit, it successfully returned to Earth on October 10. The main focus was to test an inflatable flexible sealed module, which is an innovative technology that allows us to create larger structures in space without the logistical challenges associated with transporting rigid modules.
**Editor**: That sounds impressive! What were some of the specific tests performed on the inflatable module during its time in orbit?
**Dr. Li Wei**: We conducted a range of rigorous assessments on the module’s performance, which was crafted from advanced flexible composite materials. This included tests for airtightness, debris resistance, vibrations, and thermal vacuum conditions. Our analysis confirmed that the module operated successfully under various conditions, validating our design and engineering methodologies.
**Editor**: It must be exciting to be part of such a groundbreaking project! How do you envision this technology impacting future missions, especially concerning the Tiangong space station?
**Dr. Li Wei**: The inflatable module technology represents a promising strategy for constructing large-scale sealed habitats in space. Our plans for Tiangong include integrating multifunctional modules that will facilitate docking capabilities. This will enable us to expand the station significantly and support a variety of operations, from scientific research to potential long-duration human missions.
**Editor**: The advancements in China’s space technology seem quite competitive on a global scale. How does CAST approach innovation in the context of the international space exploration landscape?
**Dr. Li Wei**: At CAST, we prioritize multidisciplinary collaboration and rigorous testing to push the boundaries of aerospace technology. Our goal is to develop innovative solutions that can enhance the overall capability and sustainability of space exploration. We are aware of the global competition, but we see it as a motivator to advance our own programs while fostering international cooperation where possible.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Li. Any final thoughts on what’s next for China’s space initiatives?
**Dr. Li Wei**: We’re very excited about the upcoming developments, especially with the planned expansions for Tiangong. Our ongoing projects will continue to focus on innovation and establishing a strong presence in space. We are also aiming to put astronauts on the Moon by 2030, which will be a monumental achievement for our country and humanity as a whole. Thank you for having me!
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Li. We look forward to following China’s exciting journey in space exploration!