Wuhan University’s first “student-made” satellite successfully launched
More than 50 students form a new force in research and development, and the light of innovation chases dreams and stars
Venus-1 satellite
student team at work
Song Yufei at the Wenchang Launch Base
Chutian Metropolis Daily Jimu News (reporter Ke said correspondent Zhang Xuemin Wu Jianglong) at 11:06 yesterday, my country’s Long March No. 8 Yao-2 rocket was successfully launched at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, successfully sending 22 satellites into the predetermined orbit. Created the highest record of my country with one arrow and many stars. Among these satellites, there is a micro-nano satellite called Qixing No. 1, which is full of aerospace dreams created by young students.
The “Venus Star-1” satellite is my country’s first visible-light hyperspectral and luminous multi-spectral multi-mode on-orbit programmable micro-nano satellite. It is small in size and weighs about 19kg, but integrates a variety of functions. The three payloads carried by the satellite can obtain 32-band hyperspectral images of the Earth’s surface during the day, 8-band luminous Earth surface images at night, and infrared remote sensing images throughout the day. After normal operation, the remote sensing satellite ground station of Wuhan University in Jiangxia is responsible for ground monitoring and data reception.
Jin Guang, a professor at the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering of Wuhan University, introduced that the combination of hyperspectral images and infrared remote sensing images can “see” the main pollutants in Hubei’s Yangtze River, lakes and other waters. In the future, it will mainly serve the Hubei region and provide early warning for water environment monitoring. . At the same time, the satellite is also the world‘s first satellite with 8 spectral bands of night light imaging functions, and the color night light images taken can carry out deeper night light remote sensing research.
The birth of the “Venus Star-1” satellite was due to a thesis defense three years ago. At a dissertation defense meeting in the summer of 2019, many students suggested that they had a lot of ideas, but they could not be verified by data. Professor Jin Guang, a satellite expert who was introduced to Wuhan University not long ago, suggested that previous research has relied on foreign data, so why not let students develop their own satellites to obtain data. Wuhan University has thus established the “Qingxing” project, which unexpectedly attracted more than 50 students to participate, most of them are graduate students, and more than 1/3 of the undergraduate students.
After three years, the “Venus Star-1” satellite was successfully launched. Wu Zhaocong, a professor at the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering of Wuhan University, introduced that the in-orbit operation of the satellite has changed the current situation that Wuhan University’s remote sensing research data sources mostly rely on foreign satellites, and promoted the upgrading of Wuhan University’s remote sensing discipline from software to hardware. The engineering practice experience and the process of innovation and creation also help students to master the knowledge of remote sensing and aerospace more comprehensively. In addition to its application value, the “Qingxing-1” satellite will become a space experiment platform for teachers and students of Wuhan University in the future, and share relevant data with the world for free.
In addition, the biggest feature of this satellite is that the working mode is very flexible, and the plan can be designed and adjusted according to different application purposes on the ground during orbital operation. “In the future, Wu Zhaocong said, “Wu teachers and students can send instructions to them to obtain data for verification if they have any whimsical ideas in the future.”
It is understood that several “Wuhan University” satellites are planned to be launched this year and next year, and “Venus Star II” is also in the future research and development plan.
“Venus Star No. 1” satellite witnesses the innovation ability of Chinese college students
Part of the vibrant student R&D team.Photo by Huang Shifeng, a reporter from Chutian Metropolis Daily
□Chutian Metropolis Daily Jimu News reporter Ke Cheng correspondent Zhang Xuemin Wu Jianglong
The “Qingxing No. 1” satellite is the first “student-made” satellite of Wuhan University and Central China. It originated from the idea of Wuhan University students, realized in the practice of Wuhan University students, and served the future of Wuhan University teachers and students. At the beginning of the research and development of the “Venus Star No. 1” satellite, it was decided that students should be the protagonists. A total of more than 50 Wuhan University students participated in the development, including about 20 undergraduates. Many students interviewed by Jimu News reporters said that the successful development of the satellite has enhanced their confidence in the national aerospace strength, confidence in the strength of the remote sensing discipline of Wuhan University, and confidence in their own scientific research and innovation capabilities.
Students witness the launch
Wu Zhaocong, a professor at the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering of Wuhan University, introduced that in the summer of 2019, at a thesis defense meeting of Wuhan University, many students put forward “there are many ideas, but they cannot get the data they want to verify.” Professor Jin Guang, a satellite expert introduced by the college from Changchun Institute of Optics and Mechanics, proposed that the remote sensing discipline of Wuhan University has ranked first in the world for many years, but previous research has relied on foreign data, so why not let students develop satellites that meet their own needs.
Therefore, Professor Jinguang took out the millions of yuan of scientific research funds allocated by him to Wuhan University, set up the “Morning Star” project, and arranged for posters to be posted on the campus to recruit students.
“Can students build satellites?” The first reaction of many students was that they couldn’t believe it. Ke Shiyun, a postgraduate student at the State Key Laboratory of Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing Information Engineering at Wuhan University, who participated in the construction of the satellite data ground processing system, said: “When I was a freshman, I listened to six academicians lecture on “Introduction to Surveying and Mapping”, and I was full of fantasies about remote sensing satellites. , I felt that the satellite was so far away from us at the time, and only after joining the R&D team did I feel that it was close at hand.”
Yesterday, what the students could not imagine at first became reality with the successful launch of the satellite. On the same day, Song Yufei, a master student from the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering of Wuhan University, witnessed this historic moment in the control room of the Wenchang Launch Base.
Song Yufei entered the Wenchang launch base in early February, and has experienced everything from the assembly and testing of the satellite to the successful launch of the rocket. He sighed that in the process of cooperating with the launch site side, the rocket side and other participants these days, he deeply felt how complicated and delicate the aerospace industry is. Every issue needs to be discussed repeatedly, and every detail will be tested repeatedly. “This rigorous work attitude and space spirit have taught me a lot, and I have also experienced the reasons why China’s space industry has achieved so much.”
Practice to gain true knowledge
“Satellite is a complex project, and it can also become the best textbook.” Zhang Xuemin, associate professor at the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics of Wuhan University, said that the development of a satellite requires talents in optics, mechanics, electronics, software, control and communication. These directions provide students with different research contents, while also exercising their hands-on ability. In the interview, many students mentioned that they were at a loss when faced with complex hardware equipment at first, but the final success proved that only practice can gain true knowledge.
Li Wuzhou, a doctoral student in charge of the attitude control design of the satellite, said: “We mainly use two kinds of sensors. We have also learned about it before, but I always feel that I don’t know much about it. Only through personal participation can I fully grasp it.”
Master student Zhou Hao participated in the discussion of the system organization plan in the early stage of the satellite, as well as the integration and testing of the satellite sensors in the later stage. “Sensor integration, in layman’s terms, is to set up various satellite loads and equipment like building blocks to ensure that they are foolproof in space. To be honest, I am under a lot of pressure.” A small “bug” was also discovered during the satellite’s final test at the Wenchang launch site. At that time, it was not far from the launch date. When Zhou Hao and his teacher tested the separation steps of the star and the arrow, there was a problem that the two solar panels could not be opened at the same time. They first checked the software logic problem, and they still couldn’t solve it after making corrections. They also thoroughly checked the hardware. Finally, they found that a small spring was stuck by the bolt, and the risk was finally eliminated. Zhou Hao said: “This experience reminds me that no amount of rigorous scientific research can be overstated.”
Undergraduates can build satellites
Professor Jinguang revealed that more than one-third of the students in the “Venus Star-1” satellite development team are undergraduates, and the ideas put forward by many students have been reflected on the satellite. In addition to the division of labor and cooperation among the students of Wuhan University, the students often communicate with teachers and students from Changchun Institute of Optics and Mechanics and Harbin Institute of Technology to solve problems together. The interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cooperation experience is a good experience for them to engage in scientific research in the future.
Lin Weihua, a fourth-year student from the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering of Wuhan University, joined the research team in his third year and is mainly responsible for the design of the satellite hyperspectral working band. She spent a lot of time collecting and arranging data at home and abroad, and analyzing the frequency bands suitable for the “Venus Star-1” satellite. “I have learned a lot from working with seniors and seniors. I really enjoy the atmosphere of a team working hard for a common goal, and I am very grateful to Wuhan University for giving us such a good platform.” Lin Weihua said that this experience made her determined to continue her studies , and also strengthened the determination to fight for the cause of remote sensing.
Li Jinjin, a doctoral student, is looking forward to the world‘s first 8-band luminous earth surface image from the “Venus Star-1” satellite. Whether to add more spectral bands and distinguish different light sources at night in more detail, this idea was affirmed by the tutor, Professor Li Xi. Through hard work, the team members finally made the “Venus Star-1” satellite capable of 8-band luminous photography. “I am very proud of the process of turning theories and assumptions into practice,” said Li Jinjin.
Two “Wuhan University” satellites will be launched this year
Chutian Metropolis Daily Jimu News (reporter Ke said correspondent Zhang Xuemin Wu Jianglong) After the successful launch of the “Venus Star 1” satellite into orbit, many people are concerned, is there any follow-up plan for the “Venstar” project? Does Wuhan University have other satellite launch plans? Jimu News reporter interviewed Mao Qingzhou, a professor at the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering and the Institute of Astronautical Science and Technology of Wuhan University.
Professor Mao Qingzhou introduced that the launch of the satellite into the sky is only the first step. In the future, the school will do a good job in the application research of the “Morning Star” satellite, so that it can maximize its effectiveness. After a period of operation, the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will update the design direction of “Venental Star II”. At present, it is mainly the research and development of some core technologies, and there is no detailed schedule for the development of the whole star.
On June 2, 2018, the world‘s first professional luminous remote sensing satellite “Luojia-1” jointly developed by Wuhan University and related institutions was successfully launched into space. On December 30, 2018, the Institute of Aerospace Science and Technology of Wuhan University was inaugurated. With the strong support of Hubei Province, Wuhan City and Wuhan University, the institute has developed rapidly and has the conditions and scientific research team to manufacture small satellites and remote sensing satellite payloads. In the future, many more “Wuhan University” satellites have been put on the launch schedule.
Mao Qingzhou introduced that the “Luojia No. 2 01 Star” and “Luojia No. 3 01 Star”, which are led by the State Key Laboratory of Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing Information Engineering of Wuhan University and participated by the Wuhan University Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, are planned to be launched later this year. The first high-precision intelligent remote sensing satellite “Luojia 3-02”, independently designed, manufactured, integrated and tested by the Wuhan University Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is initially planned to be launched in 2023.
“Remote sensing satellites are mainly divided into three categories, high-resolution satellites, hyperspectral satellites and radar satellites. ‘Luojia No. 3 02 satellite’ is the first type, and its biggest feature is intelligence.” Mao Qingzhou explained that in the past, high-tech satellites The high-resolution satellite is only responsible for shooting, and often encounters difficulties in data transmission, while the “Luojia 3-02 satellite” has the function of automatic target identification, which can acquire the required images more intelligently, and provide more targeted and efficient information to the satellites. Data is sent back from the ground.
In addition, “Luojia No. 3 02 satellite” can also realize intelligent control of mobile phones, laying a research foundation for “ordinary people can ‘play’ satellites in the future” proposed by academicians Li Deren and Gong Jianya.
22 stars in one arrow!
Open a new mode of shared rocket “carpooling”
On February 27, the Long March 8 carrier rocket launched 22 satellites into the sky at the Wenchang space launch site in Hainan, issued by Xinhua News Agency. Wuhan University’s “Venental” satellite development team watched the launch. “Venental” satellite.
● More than 50 students from Wuhan University participated in the research and development
● The first “student-built” satellite in Central China
● There are also two “Wuhan University” satellites to be launched within this year
● The Long March-8 Yao-2 carrier rocket has set the highest record of my country’s one-rocket multi-satellite launch
Yesterday, the “shared rocket”, the Long March 8 Yao-2 carrier rocket, which successfully “lifted up” with 22 satellites at the Wenchang Space Launch Site, set the highest record for my country’s one-rocket multi-satellite mission, thus opening a new shared rocket in my country. “Carpool” mode.
How the Rockets “Did One Thing”
The Long March 8 carrier rocket, which successfully flew for the first time in December 2020, is a new generation of my country’s main medium-sized carrier rocket, which fills the capacity gap of my country’s sun-synchronous orbit carrying capacity of 3 tons to 4.5 tons, and can undertake more than 80% of medium and low orbit launch tasks. .
This time, the Long March-8 Yao-2 carrier rocket adopts a new configuration without booster on the basis of the Long March-8 Yao-1 carrier rocket. Its carrying capacity reaches 3 tons, while the total of 22 satellites is less than 2 tons, which fully meets the load requirements.
As for why it can achieve 22 satellites with one arrow, Xiao Yun, chief commander of the Long March 8 carrier rocket of the Aerospace Science and Technology Group, said that at the beginning of the design, the development team of the Long March 8 Yao 2 carrier rocket shifted its attention to the small satellite and proposed that ” The new model of “shared launch” has finally identified 22 satellites for 7 units. “Multiple small satellites ‘carpool’ to complete the task, not only can give full play to the rocket capability, but also effectively meet the market demand.”
How satellites “carpool”
22 satellites in one arrow, why can the “carpooling” satellites squeeze into the fairing? Chen Xiaofei introduced that in order to ensure the safety and accuracy of the multi-satellite launch, the design team developed a “three-layer multi-satellite distributor”, which adjusted the traditional “large single room” to “small three-bedroom”.
Since each satellite has a different shape and many satellites are larger in size, the design provides three layers of “seats” for “passengers”, perfectly fitting 22 satellites into the fairing. “Generally speaking, it takes at least one year for a new structure to go from drawing to production. Through the ‘modular’ design, we produced a multi-star distributor in less than half a year.” Aerospace Science and Technology Group One Yu Long, deputy chief designer of the Long March 8 launch vehicle, said.
The development team must not only allow the satellite to “get on” and install it into the fairing, but also ensure the safety of the satellite’s separation in different directions. Yu Long introduced that the satellite has to leave the rocket body after it reaches the sky. In this process, it is necessary to consider the movement deviation caused by the different unlocking methods of the satellite and the separation of energy. Sometimes these deviations reduce the distance between satellites, threatening the safety of the rocket body.
According to the satellite layout, the research and development team performed multiple rounds of simulation calculations for all rocket bodies and satellite deviations, and designed 12 separation actions to ensure that 22 satellites “get off”.
“When the stars and rockets were separated in this mission, the rocket danced like a ‘space ballet’, and the 22 satellites were released like ‘the goddess scattered flowers’.” said Duan Baocheng, deputy commander-in-chief of the Long March 8 carrier rocket of the First Aerospace Science and Technology Group.
What is the prospect of one arrow with many stars?
It can be foreseen that the demand for human beings to enter space and space infrastructure construction in the future will increase. Therefore, changing the launch site process and shortening the rocket development cycle and cost has become an urgent need for many aerospace powers.
The final assembly and test workshop is built near the launch site, and the launch site test and the factory test are combined into one, which can save a series of steps and greatly compress the cycle of the rocket at the launch site. Xiao Yun introduced that the construction of the final assembly test plant in Hainan has already started, and the launch station is also in the process of demonstration. At that time, it is expected to achieve the launch of the Long March 8 carrier rocket once every seven days, and 50 rounds can be launched a year.
According to Xinhua News Agency