Xiong'an New Area in north China will launch a shared satellite intelligent manufacturing center and testing center in June, offering integrated assembly and pre-launch testing for satellites up to one ton and cutting assembly costs by up to 50 percent.
At the test site in Xiong'an, equipment installation in two large satellite shared factories is nearly completed, and engineers are making final adjustments and checks.
A flexible satellite assembly platform on site can handle integration and assembly of satellites up to one ton, including communication, navigation, and remote sensing models.
"We can simultaneously carry out assembly and integration of six satellites. Our designed annual production capacity now is 50 satellites. Commercial space firms coming to Xiong'an only need to bring their satellite designs and raw materials. Our professional team provides the capacity of assembly, integration, and testing support, helping reduce costs by more than 50 percent," said Yang Jinshuo, operation manager of aerospace information industry at Xiong'an Science Park.
The center will provide comprehensive pre-launch testing for complete satellites.
"The facility mainly simulates the temperatures of extreme cold and heat in space. It can accommodate testing for up to four satellites at the same time. The Xiong'an Shared Satellite Testing Center is capable of electrical, thermal, mechanical, and magnetic testing across more than ten subcategories. It supports all testing needs from assembly and integration to pre-launch. Overall, we can test 100 satellites and 200 sets of payloads a year," Yang said.
Xiong'an New Area is now home to 67 aerospace information companies, including China Star Network, along with nine innovation platforms. The industrial output value of the sector has reached 1.07 billion yuan (about 152 million U.S. dollars).
Both the shared manufacturing center and testing center for satellites are scheduled to officially start operation in June.
New satellite shared factories in Xiong'an cut assembly costs
An inheritor of the age-old Tibetan Thangka art form has introduced Chinese painting and sketching techniques to the Thangka classroom as he looks to inspire the next generation, believing that innovation is the best way to carry forward tradition.
Konchoge, a seasoned artist based in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has adopted the novel approach to add a distinctive flair to his art. His works are striking in that they integrate traditional Chinese painting techniques which reinvigorate the thousand-year-old practice of Thangka.
The subject matter portrayed in Thangka paintings is diverse, ranging from recreations of Princess Wencheng's epic journey to the Xizang region during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) period, to more complex depictions such as Tibetan medical illustrations.
Konchoge explained how embracing sketching techniques helps add another dimension to the historical Thangka practice.
"When we depict animals or figures, the Thangka tradition doesn't have the method of sketching found in traditional Chinese painting. We've embraced this technique, allowing these animals and figures to spring to life, so to speak," he said.
Recognized for his artistic talent, Konchoge was once funded by the state to further his studies at the Academy of Arts and Design at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, where he honed his skills.
Meanwhile, with the government providing annual funding to support the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, enrollment at the Xizang Academy of Thangka has been freely offered to the public since its founding in 2012, helping to preserve the tradition among a new generation of artists.
"No payment is required; moreover, we provide lunch consisting of three dishes and one soup, accompanied by butter tea and sweet tea," said Konchoge, who now works at the academy.
By integrating techniques from other traditional Chinese arts into his own, Konchoge is achieving a unique cultural fusion. Now, thanks to state support, the Xizang Academy of Thangka is introducing the glories of an enduring and evolving craft to the whole world.
"Preserving the ancient techniques is our mission; innovation is the best way to carry forward the tradition," Konchoge said.
Konchoge's story was featured in a new episode of the documentary "Yes, it's Xizang!" -- which was released by the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Thursday.
Inheritor of Tibetan Thangka inheritor embraces innovation to carry forward age-old tradition
