Reported by: Wu Hongxing
Translated by: Sun Jiayue
Edited by: Garrick Jones
Date：2017-4-20
At 19:04 on April 12, Shijian-13, China's first high-throughput communications satellite, was launched successfully from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Carried by the satellite, the OPALS, invented by our school, was also launched successfully at the same time. Shijian-13 is our first time to apply laser communication and electric propulsion technology into high earth orbit.
During the launch of the satellite, the Vice President Han Jiecai lead the team to the Xichang Satellite Launch Center and visited the OPALS Test Team there. On behalf of the school, Han Jiecai showed gratitude for their hard work, and he hoped that the test team can maintain their confidence, make things done in one vigorous effort and successfully complete the task of the first high-track laser communication test. The team led by Ma Jing and Tan Liying has long focused on the research of laser communication technology, made innovations and has never afraid of practice. The development of the laser communication load is a landmark for aerospace which reflects the research strength and innovation of our university in the field of aerospace.
Han Jiecai and his colleagues also meet with the deputy commander Wu Weiqi in the launching center. On behalf of HIT, Han Jiecai showed thanks to Xichang Satellite Launch Center’s consistent support to HIT, and discussed the school’s follow-up lunar orbit ultra long-wave astronomical observation micro-satellite project with the related personnel in the center.
Relevant people in charge of CASIC and the Aerospace Institute also took part in this visit.
