[IMAGE: Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization]

The Tianhe Core Module, the first part of a planned new space station of China, was recently launched. The core device of the Container-free Laboratory Cabinet, one of the two cabinets in the cabin, was developed by a collaborative research team from the Institute of Intelligent Machines (IIM) of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and CAS’s Shanghai Institute of Ceramics (SIC).

“What we have been focusing on is the experimental chamber subsystem of the container-free materials,” said Shi Yungao, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Center of IIM.

They have been working on this chamber subsystem project for five years, over which they tackled the technical difficulties including the design and manufacture of a complex high vacuum cavity structure, the release and recovery of experimental samples and suspension position control.

Boasting the function of functionality in electrostatic levitation experiments, the device can shorten the operation time required of astronauts and improve the efficiency of scientific experiments and man-machine efficiency.

After being in orbit, it is expected to advance research into deep undercooling solidification processes, mechanisms of metals and nonmetals, the preparation of new functional materials, and precisely measure thermophysical properties of high temperature melts.

Tianhe means “harmony of the heavens” in Chinese. As one of the three main parts China plans to use to build its first self-developed, permanent space station, the module will house Chinese astronauts during stays of up to six months.

Source: Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS),

Chinese Academy of Sciences