China successfully retrieves first reusable, returnable test satellite

China successfully retrieved its first reusable and returnable test satellite, Shijian-19, at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Friday, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Launched on Sept 27 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Shijian-19 has achieved a number of technological breakthroughs during its flight tests, including in reusability and damage-free recovery.

While in orbit, the satellite also carried out experiments related to micro-gravity conditions, including the breeding of micro-organisms in space and the validation of new space technologies.

The satellite also carried payloads from five countries, including Thailand and Pakistan, highlighting China's efforts in international space exploration and utilization.

All payloads aboard were retrieved without issue, said the CNSA.

This mission marked the 537th flight of the Long March series rockets.

China successfully retrieves first reusable, returnable test satellite

China successfully retrieves first reusable, returnable test satellite

China successfully retrieves first reusable, returnable test satellite

China successfully retrieves first reusable, returnable test satellite

A 7.5-tonne unmanned cargo aircraft powered by AEP100, China's independently developed megawatt-class hydrogen-fueled turboprop engine, successfully completed its maiden flight on Saturday at an airport in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province.

This marks the world's first test flight of a megawatt-class hydrogen-fueled turboprop engine.

Experts from the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) noted that the successful maiden flight highlights that China has now established a complete technological chain in hydrogen-fueled aviation engines, covering everything from core components to full engine integration. They added that this achievement lays the foundation for the industrial application of hydrogen energy in aviation.

As green hydrogen production costs fall, hydrogen aviation engines will show growing economic and energy security advantages, experts said. Hydrogen-fueled aero engine technology is expected to debut in low-altitude economy fields such as unmanned air freight and island logistics before gradually expanding to regional and mainline aircraft.

This technology will drive coordinated upgrades across industrial clusters, including upstream green hydrogen production, midstream storage, transportation and refueling infrastructure, and downstream high-end equipment and new materials. Ultimately, it will propel the green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of China's aviation industry, experts added.

Megawatt hydrogen turboprop engine completes maiden flight in central China

Megawatt hydrogen turboprop engine completes maiden flight in central China