Shijian 19 Satellite Successfully Lands at Dongfeng Landing Site at 9:39 AM on October 11 (Hanoi Time) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) reported that after landing, Shijian 19 was retrieved by staff from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and opened to collect its cargo. Inside the satellite were plant seeds, microbial samples, technology demonstration equipment, space experiment tools, and various cultural items. Additionally, the satellite carried numerous scientific devices from five countries, including Thailand and Pakistan.
China’s first reusable satellite, Shijian 19, returns to Earth. (Photo: Chinadaily).
Previously, Shijian 19 was launched into space by a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on September 27. The satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing and aims to support space mutation breeding programs and conduct flight experiments for materials and electronic components research.
According to the CNSA, the satellite features good microgravity levels and a large payload capacity. Therefore, it serves as a solid foundation for microgravity experiments and promotes research in microgravity physics and life sciences.
Close-up of Shijian 19 satellite. (Photo: Chinadaily).
China launched its first recoverable satellite in 1975, becoming the third country after the United States and the Soviet Union to possess such spacecraft. Since then, China has launched nearly 30 of these vehicles, enabling scientists to conduct hundreds of experiments in space. However, despite being retrievable, none of these satellites could be reused. This means they had to be “retired” as soon as personnel retrieved the cargo inside.
Shijian 19 represents a breakthrough as it is both recoverable and reusable. The reusable satellite complements the Tiangong space station in conducting experiments and tests in space, according to Wang Yanan, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge.
“Due to rapid advancements in science and technology in China, we are witnessing an increasing number of scientific experiments and technology tests waiting to be launched into orbit.”
“Now, with the services of the new reusable satellite, researchers will have more opportunities to send experiment sets or tests into space. This new platform also promises shorter waiting times and lower costs, which is very appealing,” he added.
