China’s space program has reached a new milestone with the successful in-orbit test of an inflatable space capsule aboard the Shijian-19 satellite, the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) announced on Thursday.
This innovative capsule, made from flexible materials, was compact and folded during launch. Once in orbit, it unfolded and inflated, showcasing a lightweight and efficient method for constructing large sealed environments in space.
Throughout the test, the capsule underwent rigorous evaluations, including environmental assessments during launch and a series of maneuvers like unlocking, inflating, unfolding, and maintaining pressure. The capsule met all technical expectations, including structural integrity, airtightness, and internal temperature control.
The success of this inflatable capsule is set to bolster China’s major space projects, such as the expansion of its space station and future crewed lunar missions. It highlights a significant step forward in space technology and innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
