The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) announced on November 21 that the inflatable module carried by the Shijian-19 satellite has successfully passed its orbital test.
The Shijian-19 satellite was launched aboard a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan on September 27 and landed at the Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert on October 10. CAST, which develops modules for the Tianhe space station, produced both the Shijian-19 satellite and the test module.
The inflatable spacecraft module tested on the Shijian-19 satellite. (Photo: CAST).
The new module is a multifunctional airtight structure made from flexible composite materials. CAST has evaluated the test as a complete success.
The module is in a compressed, folded state during launch and inflates once it reaches orbit. This design offers numerous benefits such as lightweight and high performance. Thus, it represents a promising approach for constructing large-scale airtight modules, marking a new and significant direction in airtight module technology.
CAST utilized its expertise in system design, structures, mechanisms, thermal control, and space environment to achieve this milestone. They also conducted ground tests to assess airtightness, collision resistance with space debris, maximum pressure tolerance, shock resistance, and thermal vacuum tests.
Previously, China had shown interest in expandable or inflatable modules, but the announcement on November 21 appears to be the first time the country has revealed related hardware. China also disclosed plans to expand the Tianhe space station, starting with a multifunctional module to allow new modules to dock with the station. Although the simulated images of the plan show that the new hard modules are similar to the current ones in orbit, an inflatable module could play a role in this expansion.
Several companies, including Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space, are also experimenting with inflatable spacecraft technology, which could be deployed for future low Earth orbit commercial space stations following the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS).
China has the Tianhe station for conducting microgravity experiments and other space research, but its capability to return cargo to Earth is limited. The portion of Shijian-19 that can return to Earth can carry 500 – 600 kg of cargo, enhancing options for microgravity experiments.
The successful testing of the new inflatable module helps fill a technological gap in China, potentially paving the way for future applications aimed at deep space exploration and orbital living environments.
