Fudan No.1 Lancang-Mekong Future Satellite was successfully launched into space on September 24 in Haiyang, Shandong Province.The satellite, jointly developed by Fudan University and Shanghai SastSpace Technology Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “SastSpace”), will conduct transnational scientific research on solar atmospheric data and atmospheric data in the Lancang-Mekong region, providing an important platform for space observation and technology application exchanges among the six Lancang-Mekong countries.
As a small satellite weighing approximately 50 kilograms, with a cubic shape of 50cm in length, width and height when the solar panels are folded up, the satellite is equipped with a solar ultraviolet spectrometer and a millimeter-wave atmospheric humidity profiling instrument. It utilizes the SASTX-50 microsatellite platform independently developed and verified in orbit by SastSpace, and operates in a 500km sun-synchronous orbit.
This satellite is poised to enhance scientific collaboration among the Lancang-Mekong countries, strengthening diplomatic bonds and fostering rich cultural exchanges. It will also serve as a conduit for knowledge, with its collected data being accessible to scientists across these countries, thereby stimulating collaborative research and driving innovation forward.
“This satellite launch is set to bolster scientific and technological collaboration among the six Lancang-Mekong countries, while also strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering greater people-to-people connections,” remarked Kotchaphop Kornphetcharat, a Thai Ph.D. candidate at Fudan’s School of International Relations and Public Affairs, who witnessed the event.
Fudan has long been dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges with the youth from the Lancang-Mekong region. The university has organized events such as the Youth Innovation Competition on Lancang-Mekong Region’s Governance and Development (YICMG), Lancang-Mekong Youth Online: Governance and Development in the Lancang-Mekong Region Workshop, and YICMG TALK to facilitate cultural exchanges. These activities have built pathways for cultural interaction, fostering a deep connection among the youth across the region.
With the launch of the satellite, Fudan’s Department of Nuclear Science and Technology will leverage the research outcomes to conduct various types of targeted space observations. The high-precision solar spectral data from the satellite will be utilized by Fudan’s faculty and students to study the mechanisms of solar activity, particularly in joint experiments with ground laboratories, highlighting the advantages of combined space-ground experiments.
The launch was witnessed by QIU Xin, chairman of Fudan University Council.
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Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: XIE Zeqi
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
Video: LU Wanting
Designer: CHEN Shuyang
