BREMEN, Germany \u2014 China tested out a small expandable module in orbit during the recent Shijian-19 mission, an update more than a month after the spacecraft\u2019s landing reveals.<\/p>
The Shijian-19 retrievable satellite launched on a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan Sept. 27 and landed<\/a> late Eastern Oct. 10 at the nearby Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert.<\/p> The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), which manufactured both Shijian-19 and the test module, revealed that the \u201cinflatable flexible sealed module\u201d completed an on-orbit test in a Nov. 21 statement<\/a>. <\/p> The module is described by CAST as a multifunctional sealed structure made from flexible composite materials. The mission was deemed a complete success by CAST, a key division of China\u2019s state-owned contractor CASC, which also developed modules for the Tiangong space station.<\/p> CAST stated the module is in a compressed, folded state during launch and inflates upon reaching orbit. This design offers advantages such as lightweight construction and high folding efficiency. CAST described the technology as a promising approach for constructing large-scale space-sealed modules and represents an important new direction in sealed module technology.<\/p> The company leveraged its expertise in system design, structures, mechanisms, thermal control, and space environment to achieve this breakthrough, according to the statement.<\/p> It added that ground-based tests\u2014such as airtightness, debris impact, extreme pressure, vibration, and thermal vacuum tests\u2014were conducted in collaboration with partner organizations to validate the module’s performance.<\/p> China has earlier stated its interest in expandable or inflatable modules, but the Nov. 21 release appears to be the first public unveiling of related hardware.<\/p> The country has also revealed plans to begin expanding the Tiangong space station<\/a>, starting with a multifunctial module to allow new modules to dock at the facility. While renders of the plan appear to show new rigid modules similar to those already in orbit, an inflatable habitat could play a role in this planned expansion.<\/p>