China launches first solar power satellite, only 1 mm thick

The Lingxi-03 satellite, developed by GalaxySpace, is the first satellite in China equipped with a solar panel-integrated wing with an ultra-thin flexible functional panel that is only 1 mm thick. When operating in orbit, the satellite's wingspan is 9 meters long and more than 2.5 meters wide. When folded in the rocket, the main body of the wing is only a compact thickness of less than 5 cm.

Lingxi-03 is equipped with multi-beam millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands with a capacity of up to tens of gigabits per second, and is mainly used to provide communication with low-orbit broadband internet satellites.

Along with that, the satellite also possesses a giant power system, an active thermal control panel, an integrated mold structure, the ability to release multiple stacked satellites and many other modern features.

GalaxySpace successfully launched the first satellite with a flat-screen antenna integrated with flexible solar power. (Photo: GalaxySpace)

GalaxySpace said its internet satellites are designed to be stacked dozens on top of each other and launched simultaneously on a single rocket. This will significantly improve rocket efficiency and shorten the time it takes to build a satellite network.

With its small size, light weight and modularity, the satellite's solar wings can absorb more solar energy and help save mass and launch costs. This is of great significance for accelerating the research and development of "satellite constellations" to create a global 5G internet network.

The digital payload - the intelligent "brain" installed on the satellite - will enable the satellite to flexibly allocate communication resources, and automatically perform operations and beam allocation as required. It is also China's first satellite to have an integrated main body structure, suitable for mass production.

Another unique feature of this satellite is its open frame design, which means that the subsystem equipment will be directly exposed to the space environment without any protective cover. This requires superior performance in terms of protection of the satellite's electronic circuits and temperature control when directly exposed to the harsh space environment. Therefore, the satellite is equipped with an active thermal control fluid circuit, which acts as an “air conditioner” to keep the satellite operating at a suitable temperature.

Through cooperation methods such as joint design and development, GalaxySpace has worked with a number of other suppliers in the aerospace industry to take full advantage of China's modern industrial system.

Zhu Zhengxian, chief technology officer of GalaxySpace, said the company will continue to accelerate the development of mass-stackable flat-panel satellites and address core technologies to develop direct communication between satellites and other devices. Zhu added that the company looks forward to working with partners in the industrial chain to quickly build a satellite internet constellation.

Phuong Thao (Source: Xinhua News Agency)

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Source: https://vtc.vn/trung-quoc-phong-ve-tinh-nang-luong-mat-troi-dau-tien-do-day-chi-1-mm-ar808144.html