China Successfully Launches Retrievable Microgravity Satellite Into Space

China's space program is in a celebratory high following the successful launch of their bullet-shaped retrievable research satellite which is supposed to assist scientists in the study of various aspects of microgravity and space life science. The satellite SJ-10 was launched into orbit by Long March 2-D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.

While SJ-10 is in space, it is required to carry out 19 experiments on microgravity fluid physics, microgravity combustion, microgravity biological effect, space material, space radiation and space biotechnology before returning to the Earth with results. The experiments were shortlisted from a pool of 200 applicants. One of the experiments included studies the nascent-stage embryonic development of mouse in microgravity, so that more can be understood of human reproduction in space. Another experiment studies the space radiation effects on the genetic stability of rat cells and fruit flies.

china microgravity satellite

There's another experiment, the “Soret Coefficient in Crude Oil” experiment, onboard that's being carried out in collaboration with the National Space Science Center under CAS and the European Space Agency (ESA) that investigates effects of coal combustion and pollutant formation in microgravity. This is to better the researchers' understanding of the oil reservoirs buried many kilometers deep underground, and to help improve energy efficiency and cut down on emissions.

Chief scientist Hu Wenrui stated that all the experiments carried onboard the SJ-10 are completely new and have never been executed before anywhere in the world. He believes that the results acquired through these experiments could lead to several breakthroughs.

Out of the four scientific satellites dedicated for the CAS space program, SJ-10 is the second. And unlike the rest in the batch, SJ-10 could be retrieved.

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