First reusable satellite launched successfully

陈小将

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing, Shijian 19 was tasked with servicing space-based mutation breeding programs and carrying out flight tests for the research of domestically developed materials and electronic components.

According to the release, the satellite features a high level of microgravity inside its body and a large carrying capacity. It is a good platform for high-microgravity experiments and its service will facilitate studies in microgravity physics and life science.

China launched its first recoverable satellite in 1975, becoming the third nation, after the United States and former Soviet Union, to have such spacecraft. The country has lifted nearly 30 such spacecraft since then. These satellites have enabled Chinese scientists to carry out hundreds of space-based tests and experiments. However, all of them would not be reused, meaning they would retire as soon as their payloads are taken out.

The microgravity inside spacecraft has proved to be beneficial to many scientific experiments and recoverable satellites are the most suitable carrier for such experiments.