China inflatable space capsule aces orbital test

Space Travel News

China inflatable space capsule aces orbital test

illustration only

Reuters Events SMR and Advanced Reactor 2025

China inflatable space capsule aces orbital test
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 25, 2024

China's innovative inflatable capsule has successfully completed its in-orbit flight test aboard the Shijian-19 satellite, as announced by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) on Thursday. The test, described as a complete success, marks a significant step forward in space engineering.

The inflatable capsule represents a cutting-edge, multi-functional technology featuring a flexible skin that can be compressed and folded for launch. Once in orbit, the capsule unfolds and inflates, creating a sealed structure. Its lightweight design and efficient folding mechanism offer a practical solution for constructing large, sealed capsules in space environments.

During the test, the capsule underwent rigorous verification, including environmental assessments of the launch process. It successfully executed a range of critical actions, such as unlocking, inflating, unfolding, and maintaining pressure. CAST reported that key performance indicators, such as the capsule's structural integrity, airtightness, and internal temperature stability, met all technical verification benchmarks.

According to CAST, the success of the inflatable capsule technology will play a pivotal role in advancing China's major space initiatives, including its space station operations and upcoming manned lunar missions.

Related Links
China Academy of Space Technology
The Chinese Space Program - News, Policy and Technology
China News from SinoDaily.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters

RELATED CONTENT

The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.

Tianzhou 7 completes cargo Mission, Tianzhou 8 docks with Tiangong
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 19, 2024
China's Tianzhou 7 cargo spacecraft concluded its mission as it burned up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere on Sunday night, the China Manned Space Agency reported. According to the agency, ground control guided the robotic craft, which reentered at 9:25 pm, leading to most of the vehicle disintegrating, with only minor debris landing in designated sea zones. Tianzhou 7 had separated from the Tiangong space station on November 10, initiating a weeklong solo mission before its controlled d ... read more

Scientists map complete energy spectrum of solar high-energy protons near Mars

Ancient water on Mars suggests potential for past life

Making Mars' Moons: Supercomputers Offer 'Disruptive' New Explanation

Have We Been Searching for Life on Mars in the Wrong Way

Firefly Aerospace prepares Blue Ghost Lunar mission for launch

China details plans for manned lunar landing by 2030

Atomic-6 partners with Starpath Robotics for Lunar Power Tower development

Lunar Outpost to deliver Lunar Terrain Vehicle to Moon with Starship

Uranus moons could hold clues to hidden oceans for future space missions

A clue to what lies beneath the bland surfaces of Uranus and Neptune

Europa Clipper deploys instruments on journey to icy moon of Jupiter

Uranus moon Miranda may hold a hidden ocean below its surface

Discovery of a young exoplanet illuminates planet formation

Young transiting planet reshapes theories of planetary formation

New approach improves models of atmosphere on early Earth, exo-planets

SwRI scientists repurpose chemistry modeling software to study life-supporting conditions on icy moons

HyImpulse secures funding to Advance Small Launcher 1

Large fire at Japan rocket test site, no injuries reported

Rocket Lab completes two launches in under 24 hours

What we know about Russia's Oreshnik missile fired on Ukraine

China inflatable space capsule aces orbital test

Tianzhou 7 completes cargo Mission, Tianzhou 8 docks with Tiangong

Zebrafish thrive in space experiment on China's space station

China's commercial space sector expands as firms outline ambitious plans

From space to atmosphere scientists unravel secrets of asteroid 2022 WJ1

Earthbound asteroids may be tracked more precisely using new equation

As the Taurid meteor shower passes by Earth, pseudoscience rains down - and obscures a potential real threat from space

Ion dynamics examined as comet 67P awakens from dormancy

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.