China successfully tests inflatable spacecraft capsule

The China Academy of Space Technology announced on November 21 that the inflatable spacecraft capsule carried by the Shijian-19 satellite has passed orbital testing.

The Shijian-19 satellite was launched on a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan on September 27 and landed at the Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert on October 10. The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), which developed the modules for the Tiangong space station, produced both the Shijian-19 and the test capsule .

The inflatable spacecraft capsule is tested on the Shijian-19 satellite. (Photo: CAST).

The new capsule is a multifunctional sealed structure made from flexible composite materials. The test was deemed a complete success by CAST.

The capsule is in a compressed, folded state during launch and inflated upon reaching orbit. This design offers many advantages such as light weight and high folding efficiency. Therefore, this design is promising for the construction of large-scale sealed modules, representing a new and important direction in sealed module technology.

CAST used its expertise in systems design, structures, mechanisms, thermal control, and space environments to achieve this feat. They also conducted ground-based tests such as airtightness, debris impact, extreme pressure, vibration, and thermal vacuum tests.

China has previously shown interest in expandable or inflatable modules, but the announcement on November 21 appears to be the first time it has revealed the relevant hardware. China has also revealed plans to expand its Tiangong space station, starting with a multi-purpose module to allow new modules to dock with the station. While simulations of the plan show the new rigid modules to be similar to those currently in orbit, an inflatable module could play a role in that expansion.

Several companies, such as Lockheed Martin (USA) and Sierra Space (USA), are also testing inflatable spacecraft technology, which could be deployed for low-orbit commercial space stations launched after the International Space Station (ISS) stops operating.

China has the Tiangong space station to conduct microgravity and other space experiments, but its ability to return cargo to Earth is limited. The returnable portion of Shijian-19 can carry 500-600 kg of cargo, increasing its options for microgravity experiments.

The successful test of the new inflatable capsule fills a technological gap in China, potentially paving the way for future applications in deep space exploration and orbital habitats.