On September 5, China successfully launched the Ceres 1 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, deploying the "Real-Time Monitoring System for Satellite Key Folding Components Status Based on Flexible Sensing" into orbit. This marks the first in-orbit application of flexible electronic sensing technology for monitoring spacecraft components in China.
The system was developed by Professor Yang Haitao and Associate Researcher Sun Chong from Northwestern Polytechnical University, under the leadership of Academician Huang Wei. As spacecraft increasingly require lightweight, deformable structures, real-time monitoring of key components has become essential. Flexible electronics, known for being "light, thin, flexible, and transparent," offers a viable solution.
This in-orbit validation is a significant achievement for Huang Wei's team, which has focused on developing reliable sensing for extreme aerospace environments. They have made breakthroughs in flexible sensing materials, signal extraction, and environmental adaptability, ensuring system reliability and accuracy.
The system monitors the deformation and attitude of key satellite structures in real-time, providing crucial data for assessing structural health and mission performance. This success highlights the collaboration between the flexible electronics and aerospace fields at Northwestern Polytechnical University, with significant contributions from graduate students Liu Qiulei and Huang Yuwei.
Academician Huang Wei remarked, "Flexible electronics is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary field essential for high-end equipment. Its application in aerospace requires exceptional material performance and system reliability. This successful verification positions China among the leaders in aerospace-grade flexible electronics".
Currently, the system operates stably with ongoing data transmission. The research team continues to analyze data and plans to optimize system design, laying a foundation for intelligent monitoring and health management of future spacecraft. This achievement accelerates the application of flexible electronics in aerospace, enhancing the reliability of China's aerospace equipment.
