[Explanation] At 10:42 on September 22, 2010, China's first self-developed small satellite with completely independent intellectual property rights, "Pixing-1A", was successfully launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The "Pixing-1A" satellite was independently developed by Zhejiang University and was the smallest satellite in China at that time. What appears in the screen now is the "close-up photo" taken by "Pixing One A" of the earth.

　　Pico satellites refer to tiny satellites weighing kilograms. Compared to large satellites, which cost around RMB 1 to 2 billion, pico satellites only cost millions of RMB, and the time it takes is saved from two years to several months. . According to Jin Zhonghe, director of the Microsatellite Research Center of Zhejiang University, satellite research is highly comprehensive. In addition to covering almost all disciplines in more than 20 colleges of Zhejiang University, close cooperation in scientific research and engineering is required.

　　It has been nearly 20 years from project research to the launch of "Pixing-3A". Jin Zhonghe recalled that in order to overcome technical difficulties, he and his team worked in the laboratory for nearly three months, and discussed problems almost every day at midnight.

　　[Concurrent] Jin Zhonghe, Director of Microsatellite Research Center, Zhejiang University

　　(The first stage) We solved two problems, one is the integrated design, and the second is the reliability problem involved in using industrial products to make satellites. If these two problems are solved, the road will be open. These two problems have been solved for 10 years, but here is solved together with scientific research and engineering. Of course, scientific research projects are also interrelated. In the second stage, we have to think about whether this technological breakthrough can be used, so the 2015 satellite is to solve this problem. This can be used to solve some of the technologies that it has to face in the application. We call this the payload. If we want to make the satellite smaller, the payload must also be small and the capacity cannot be reduced. Now, what are we going to solve, that is, communication products and imaging products. Imaging includes optical imaging, infrared imaging, microwave imaging, etc. How to make it smaller.

　　[Explanation] In 2021, the R&D team will launch 20 pico satellites. Jin Zhonghe introduced that due to the low cost and light weight of pico-satellites, the cost of satellite use can be greatly reduced, which greatly contributes to the improvement of communication efficiency in remote areas and security under special conditions.

　　[Concurrent] Jin Zhonghe, Director of Microsatellite Research Center, Zhejiang University

　　One of the satellites we will launch next year is a communications satellite, which is to solve the problem of Internet access and high-speed communications on the sea, remote areas and desert areas. This impact is very significant. The second satellite is an imaging satellite. We have a very small satellite that can distinguish one-meter (length) imaging. It can solve the census of land resources in mountainous areas and the monitoring of ships on the sea, because after the cost of its satellite has dropped drastically Everyone can afford it. For example, let’s imagine a communication satellite. The cost of using satellites for communication and your mobile phone should be equivalent and not high. Then you can use it wherever you go.

　　[Explanation] In the laboratory, the reporter also saw many young faces. It is reported that in the R&D team, the post-90s population accounts for 71.5%. The work involves various sub-fields and has become an important force in the R&D of pico-satellites.

　　Wang Weichen reports from Hangzhou

Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】