China's first 3D printing satellite, Pujiang No. 1, successfully entered space
On September 25, 2015, at 9:41 AM, China's first solid-fuel rocket, the Long March 11, roared to life from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It successfully carried four satellites into orbit, marking a significant milestone in China’s space program. Among them was the Pujiang No. 1 satellite, named after the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Just one day later, on September 26 at 7:48 PM, the satellite made its first flyover of the river, symbolizing a new chapter in urban innovation and technological advancement.
**Small Satellites Power "Smart Cities"**
Developed by the Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute, part of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Pujiang No. 1 is designed to provide fast, user-centric information services. Its applications span environmental monitoring, land resource surveys, and emergency response, making it a key player in smart city development.
When asked about the satellite's name, Zhang Chunming, an assistant to the institute’s president, explained that Shanghai, as a pioneer in reform and opening up, is rapidly advancing its science and technology hub status. Whether through the “Belt and Road†initiative or the “Internet +†concept, the city continues to open new opportunities. “Pujiang No. 1 not only reflects our regional identity but also embodies the spirit of innovation and exploration,†he added.
[Image: A photo of the Pujiang No. 1 satellite, taken during testing.]
According to Zhang, the satellite follows the vision of building a “smart city.†Through satellite networking, it can monitor urban environments in real-time, including traffic congestion, weather patterns, pollution levels, and natural disasters. This data helps improve urban management and enhances the city’s overall governance capabilities.
“If there’s an oil spill on the Huangpu River, positioning the satellite over the “Oriental Pearl†tower allows it to quickly calculate the extent of the pollution and its spread,†Zhang said.
**“Fast + Low Cost†Makes Custom Satellites Achievable**
With the rapid growth of information technology, demand for integrated spatial data has never been higher. The development of the “Belt and Road†space information corridor has opened new markets for commercial satellites. Simplifying the development process, reducing costs, and creating low-cost, high-reliability small satellite constellations are becoming key trends in future satellite technology.
To prepare for the future of commercial satellite development, the Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute began self-funded research in 2009. “In modern terms, we’re doing something like crowdfunding,†said Zhang. The project involved multiple collaborating units, all contributing their own resources to test new technologies. “Since everyone is investing their own money, cost control is crucial.â€
Traditional satellite development involves three stages: program, prototype, and final sample. Each step requires extensive testing and takes a long time and a lot of money. However, Pujiang No. 1 took a different approach. “We skipped the prototype stage and moved directly from the program verification phase to the final stage, saving both time and cost,†said Lai Jing, the satellite commander.
Based on a user-focused design, Pujiang No. 1 uses plug-and-play technology, allowing it to quickly integrate with various payloads. It can complete integration and testing within a month, launch preparation in a week, and deliver its mission objectives in just one day. This efficiency makes custom satellite solutions more accessible than ever before.
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