China’s Innovation X satellite includes all-aluminium freeform camera and InSb infrared detectors

The "Innovation X Scientific Flight" programme, a new paradigm for low-cost space research and new technology investigations, was announced jointly by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Innovation Academy of Microsatellite (IAMC) and Zhongke Aerospace Exploration Technology Company. According to ZHANG Yonghe, the Chief Designer from IAMC, the programme will supply worldwide scientists, research institutes, universities, and space industries with complete and integrated launch services.

The 650kg "Innovation X" satellite is outfitted with a sophisticated interface, flexible design, and dynamically integrated experimentation platform. It transported almost 20 new payloads and technical items into orbit, conducting 44 space technology verifications. The verifications include:

• An all-aluminium freeform camera
• A multifunctional integrated camera
• A cryogenic infrared perception camera
• Edge computing-type vision chips
• InSb infrared detectors
• Aerospace-grade semiconductor temperature control

Free-form technology is the most modern optical lens production procedure, capable of reducing higher-order aberrations, such as aspherical aberration, that may arise in ophthalmic lenses manufactured using typical manufacturing equipment. Numerous new payloads and technology products for space science and applications remain confined to laboratories or ground testing phases.

"This joint effort of rockets and satellites seeks to establish a sustainable, cost-effective in-orbit verification model, helping more scientists and technologists realize their space dreams," said ZHANG Yonghe.

On July 27, 2022, the "Lijian-1" solid-fuel carrier rocket successfully launched the "Innovation X" series of scientific experimental satellites into orbit. The EP-WXT Pathfinder "Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy (LEIA)" instrument, the High-Energy Burst Searcher (HEBS), the 46.5nm Solar Upper Transition Region Imager (SUTRI), and the CPT Atomic Magnetic Field Precision Measurement Instrument were among the scientific expedition payloads carried by the satellite. These payloads have delivered intriguing scientific results while confirming breakthrough technology.

"In every launch mission of the Lijian-1 launcher, we will reserve dedicated space for scientific experimental satellites, providing flexible and convenient orbital opportunities to support the development of space science and technology through innovative approaches," said YANG.

According to YANG Yiqiang, President of CAS SPACE, the newly announced "Innovation X Scientific Flight" programme will give services to a larger community of worldwide scientists to continue exploring new paradigms for space scientific exploration and technology verification.

Using the Lijian-1's launch capabilities, the programme plans to launch seven satellites yearly, providing a complete payload-carrying service to scientists, research institutes, universities, and space firms worldwide. The "Innovation X Scientific Flight" is now accepting applications from around the globe for innovative payloads and technologies that need in-orbit testing.