System Design and Flight Results of China SJ-10 Recoverable Microgravity Experimental Satellite

Abstract

China recoverable satellite is a multi-utility, mid-scale satellite with the capability of capsule recovery. Twenty-five recoverable satellites have been developed successfully ever since 1970s. SJ-10 recoverable microgravity experimental satellite (SJ-10 satellite) is the 25th recoverable satellite in China recoverable satellite series and also the first China space microgravity experiment satellite. The main mission of SJ-10 satellites to carry out experimental researches on microgravity science and space life science by means of satellite space flight and capsule recovery. The experiments cover six disciplines, including microgravity fluid physics, microgravity combustion, space materials science, space radiation effect, biological effects of gravity, and space biotechnology. In order to satisfy the requirements of space experiments as well as under the constraints of schedule, funds and others, the new approach of satellite engineering development is promoted and carried out during the process of satellite development. The mission of SJ-10 satellite has been carried out successfully in 2016, and the flight results show that the satellite has absolute advantages in many aspects, such as the ability of recovery, better microgravity level and others. In this chapter, the technical characteristics and mission execution results of the recoverable satellite SJ-10 satellite are summarized. The further development ideas and the improvements of service performances of China recoverable satellite are also discussed briefly.