Dalian 1-Lianli Satellite
Overview of Satellites
The Dalian 1-Lianli Satellite, also known as Lianli Satellite, is a 12U high-resolution Earth observation CubeSat. It has a mass of 17 kg and dimensions of 1012.3mmx428mmx403mm (expanded). The satellite utilizes the self-owned X-band ground control station of Dalian University of Technology (the first ground station in Liaoning Province) for tracking and control. Its main objectives are to validate high-resolution remote sensing imaging, domestic highly reliable OpenHarmony operating system, advanced satellite subsystem components, and a series of innovative technologies including a ultralight deployer based on 3D printing.
The primary payload of the satellite is a high-resolution multispectral camera with five spectral bands, including panchromatic and multispectral capabilities. It enables cost-effective submeter high-resolution observations of oceans and Earth from space.The use of the OpenHarmony operating system and domestic processing chips significantly improves the system’s performance and reliability. Unlike traditional satellites that use toxic hydrazine propellants for attitude and orbit control, this satellite employs an innovative hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) monopropellant propulsion system. It offers advantages such as being environmentally friendly, non-toxic, high-energy, low-power consumption, and pre-packaged, greatly enhancing the micro-nanosatellite’s maneuverability in orbit.
On January 18, 2024, at approximately 14:00 Beijing time, the Lianli Satellite was successfully released into orbit from the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft. It is currently operating normally in orbit.
| Satellite Introduction | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dalian 1-Lianli Satellite |
| English Name | Lianli |
| Nationality | China |
| R&D Institutions | Dalian University of Technology |
| Mission Type | Remote sense |
| Orbital Type | LEO |
| Orbital Altitude | 400 km x 400 km |
| Orbital Inclination | 42.8° |
| Carrier Rocket | Long March 7 Y7 |
| Launch date | May 10, 2023 |
| Launch base | Wenchang Aerospace Launch Center-WenchangLC-201 |
| International Designator | 2023-063A |
| Status of Satellite | In-orbit operation |
Mission Objectives
The Lianli Satellite aims to acquire submeter resolution images and achieve on-orbit target identification, enabling low-cost submeter resolution on ocean and earth observation. It represents an advanced level of satellite remote sensing in the same category and plays a crucial role in the development of related fields. Additionally, the ultralight deployer will validate a series of advanced technologies, including overall 3D printing technology, multi-satellite release and status monitoring controller technology, and memory alloy separation nut unlocking mechanism. The Lianli Satellite also incorporates a range of innovative advanced technologies, such as HAN green and non-toxic propulsion technology, integrated attitude measurement technology, and domestic OpenHarmony real-time operating system. These advancements hold significant importance for the development of domestic micro-nano satellites, laying the foundation for the research and application of the next generation of high performance micro-nano satellites. The satellite mainly verified:
- High-resolution remote sensing imaging at 1m@500km
- Lightweight, high reliability, OpenHarmony real-time operating system
- Advanced satellite subsystem components
- Ultralight deployer based on 3D printing technology
R&D Process
The Lianli Satellite project was initiated on April 24, 2020. From April to October of the same year, it completed scientific objective verification, including remote sensing observations and payload integration. In October 2020, through a naming activity open to the entire university’s faculty, students, and alumni, the satellite was named “Lianli.” Led by Professor Xia Guangqing and Professor Yu Xiaozhou, the team completed the overall satellite design and subsystem detailed design in 2021. In December 2022, the satellite passed the payload review for integration with Tianzhou-6. Starting from January 2022, the team began the development, assembly, and testing of the satellite and deployer. In March 2023, the Lianli Satellite was successfully delivered to Tianzhou-6.
Professor Yu and Lianli Satellite
- Project Startup： April 24, 2020（Aerospace Day）；
- Scientific Objective Verification：April to October 2020. Verification of high-resolution remote sensing observations and novel payload integration；
- Satellite Naming：In October 2020, the satellite was named “Lianli” through a voting process involving the entire university’s faculty, students, and alumni；
- Project Design：January 2021 to December 2021. Completed the overall satellite design and detailed design of subsystems；
- Development Review：February 2022. Conducted a review of the satellite’s development and initiated the project for integration with the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft；
- Integration Request Submission：April 2022. Submitted a request to the China Manned Space Engineering Office for the Lianli Satellite to be integrated with the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft；
- Docking with Cargo Spacecraft：July 2022. Completed the mechanical and electrical interface docking between the satellite and the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft；
- Integration Request Submission：November 2022. Submitted a request to the China Manned Space Engineering Office for the Lianli Satellite to be integrated with the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft；
- Integration Review：December 2022. Completed the review for the integration of the Lianli Satellite with the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft；
- Satellite Frequency Application：July 2021 to December 2022. Completed the application for satellite frequency and obtained the space radio license；
- Docking with Cargo Spacecraft：February 2023. Completed the interface docking between the Lianli Satellite and the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft；
- Satellite Development：January 2022. Completed the acceptance of satellite subsystem components, assembly, electrical performance testing, and currently undergoing environmental testing. Factory review is about to be completed；
- Deployer Development：January 2022. Deployer design, interface coordination, production, assembly, testing, and environmental testing；
- Satellite Arrival：Expected to begin transportation to the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on March 12, 2023, with final delivery of the Lianli Satellite to the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft on March 20, 2023；
- Launch Permit：The launch permit application will be assisted by China Great Wall Industry Corporation in late March 2023。
- Satellite Launch：May 10, 2023. The Lianli Satellite will be carried into space by the Long March 7 Y7 carrier rocket along with the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft；
- Separation from Cargo Spacecraft：January 18, 2024, at 14:00. Released from the Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft and enters independent flight in the planned orbit
Before the launch of the Long March 7 rocket, the satellite was installed on the exterior of the Tianzhou-6 spacecraft using an Ultralight Multiple Satellites Deployers(UMSD).
Lianli Satellite in Space Station assembly photos taken by Shenzhou 16 astronaut Guihaichao
After the separation of the spacecraft, the measurement, operation, and control work proceeded smoothly, and the satellite entered a stable operational phase. On-orbit data indicates that the test payload of the satellite has performed exceptionally well in terms of verification performance, providing a reliable technical foundation for future satellite missions.
The university’s satellite ground control station is operating normally and will continue to undertake the satellite’s operation management, measurement, control, and data reception tasks. Professor Xia stated that based on the requirements of orbit control and safety analysis, the satellite may be scheduled for orbital maneuvering in the future.
(Translated by Zijian Yin)
