On December 10, students from Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) achieved a significant aerospace milestone, as the student-developed CubeSat "Yixian-A" soared into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The satellite distinguishes itself as the world's first to conduct in-orbit verification of wooden outer panels, marking a potential breakthrough for sustainable space materials.

Named in honor of SYSU's founder, Dr. Sun Yat-sen (Sun Yixian), the CubeSat is designed as a versatile platform for scientific experimentation and technology validation. Over its planned six-month lifespan, the satellite will execute a series of innovative missions, including the monitoring of its unique wooden outer panels.

The first on-orbit image of CubeSat "Yixian-A".

Entirely designed and developed by the university's students, "Yixian-A" represents the culmination of over four years of rigorous research and technical iteration. The project was driven by a multidisciplinary team drawing talent from the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the School of Materials, and the School of Advanced Manufacturing, with strong support from university administration, faculty, and alumni.

A "Yixian-A" CubeSat prototype undergoes testing.

The successful launch of the CubeSat represents a landmark achievement in SYSU's "New Engineering" initiative, which emphasizes practical training alongside academic rigor.

Looking ahead, the student team plans to continue the "Yixian" satellite series, aiming for further breakthroughs in interdisciplinary fields, specifically focusing on the convergence of medicine and engineering in space applications.

Source: SYSU Global Communication Office, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Writer: Feng Xianzhe

Photographer: Wang Jiahong