China’s Recoverable Satellites and Their Onboard Experiments

Abstract

Twenty-three recoverable satellites have been successfully launched in China since 1975. A number of microgravity experiments were successfully performed by utilizing the piggyback capability of the satellite together with other tasks of the previous flights. This paper presents firstly an overview of the recoverable satellite development in China. Main characteristics of Chinese recoverable satellites and the onboard scientific experiments are then discussed. The environment, support, and the interface between the working payload and satellite during different design and manufacture phases are also briefly described, followed by future trends of platform technology and potential applications.