The Tiangong-2 companion satellite is a micro-nano-satellite, part of the Tiangong-2 test mission. The accompanying satellite adopts the design of miniaturization, lightweight and functional density, which makes the satellite structure small and lightweight, but achieves the design result of high functional density.
The companion satellite will carry out experiments such as companion flights for space assemblies and multi-platform space collaboration during the in-orbit mission, providing support for the main spacecraft's technical tests and conducting tests of many new technologies to expand space technology applications.
On the ground, large-size liquid bridges cannot be built due to gravity, but in the microgravity environment of space, large-size liquid bridges can be built. Using the large size liquid bridge, it is possible to carry out scientific experiments on microgravity thermocapillary flow. In the words of researcher Kang Qi of the Institute of Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: "In order to produce high-quality semiconductor materials, it is necessary to scientifically control the impact of buoyancy convection and thermal capillary convection of monocrystalline silicon in the process of crystal growth, and the space-specific microgravity environment will enable scientists to analyze the real process of thermal capillary convection in depth."
The "Sky Pole" is not an ordinary gamma-ray telescope either, but it is a magic weapon to detect the polarization of gamma rays emitted by gamma storms. So what are gamma rays, gamma storms and polarization? What's the deal with the "Sky Pole" telescope, which is as hard-working and cute as a little bee? For more information, go here.
As the saying goes, "Before the troops move, food and plants go first." Developing a space life ecological support system to grow food, fruits and vegetables is not only one of the most important research topics in space biology, but also an important safeguard for the long-term exploration of space by human beings. Although many plant growth tests have been conducted in space, many problems such as the impact of extreme environmental factors, including microgravity, on the growth and development of plants need to be solved in order to successfully realize the production of food and vegetables in space conditions and to provide a food source for astronauts' long-term space life. The main task of the Tiangong-2 higher plant incubator is to cultivate plants. However, this cultivation process is different from the past, it will carry out China's first six-month plant "from seed to seed" full life cycle culture, and the whole live broadcast.