Recent updates on the Shijian-19 mission reveal China successfully tested a small, expandable module in orbit. The Shijian-19 retrievable satellite, launched Sept. 27, landed Oct. 10. The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), the manufacturer, announced the successful on-orbit test of the “inflatable flexible sealed module” on Nov. 21.
CAST described the module as a multifunctional sealed structure of flexible composite materials. It's launched in a compressed state and inflates in orbit, offering advantages in lightweight construction and folding efficiency. This is deemed a promising approach for building large-scale space-sealed modules, a significant advancement in sealed module technology. CAST utilized its expertise in system design, structures, mechanisms, thermal control, and space environments for this success.
Extensive ground-based testing, including airtightness, debris impact, pressure, vibration, and thermal vacuum tests, validated the module’s performance. This appears to be the first public unveiling of such hardware, although China has previously expressed interest in inflatable modules. The test echoes similar projects like Bigelow Aerospace’s BEAM on the International Space Station, though on a smaller scale.
This aligns with China’s plans to expand the Tiangong space station. While initial plans feature rigid modules, an inflatable habitat could play a role. The Shijian-19 mission, described by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) as a test of a new reusable space platform, also carried payloads like crops for irradiation experiments and microbial specimens.
Shijian-19, a short-duration version for two-week missions, has a long-term configuration with solar arrays for extended experiments. Its recoverable design carries 500-600 kilograms of payload, expanding China’s microgravity experiment options, addressing limitations in Tiangong's downmass capabilities. The successful test of the inflatable module fills a technological gap and opens possibilities for deep space exploration and orbital habitats.