This paper covers the trajectory optimization design problem of a class of demonstration flight test vehicles. Different from the traditional “once downward” movement principle of negative attack angle, the “twice downward” lower trajectory is proposed based on a SQP algorithm to meet the requirement for validating thermal protection materials. Furthermore, an important advantage of this presented method, compared to the traditional method, is that both trajectory constraints and attitude control constraints are considered. An engineering example is also given to show the advantage and effectiveness of this method.

Hall thruster is a type of electric propulsion thruster which is often regarded as a moderate specific impulse space propulsion technology and is used primarily for station keeping and orbit maintenance tasks. Magnetic field is the most important aspect in Hall thruster’s design. Each time the performance improvement of Hall thrusters is accompanied with the regeneration of magnetic field design. Now, all the major space nations treat the magnetic field design as the key technology for Hall thrusters, and many Hall thrusters have emerged in recent years, for example, BPT-4000 and NASA-173M. In China, based on magnetic focus technology, the Beijing Institute of Control Engineering (BICE) has been developing Hall thrusters ranged from hundreds of watts to 5 kilowatts, including the 1500 W HEP-100MF and the 5 kW HEP-140MF Hall thrusters. This paper briefly reviews the development of the HEP-XXMF series Hall thruster. The principle of the Hall thruster, the design methods and the current status of HEP-100MF and HEP-140MF are discussed in the paper.

Based on the concept of DIY, this paper demonstrates the essential potential of DIY manufacturing technology in the application of space equipment. According to the future space technology development trends, the future spacecraft DIY idea and system standard are proposed. The standardized, modularized and serialized micro/nano-satellite DIY products are introduced. Finally, a commercial remote sensing satellite system based on spacecraft DIY is designed and its application prospect is analyzed.

The scramjet and maglev engineering technology development and trends at home and abroad are firstly presented in this paper. A new launch mode of space transportation system is proposed based on scramjet and magnetic suspension technologies, and its key technologies required are given. This paper also makes analysis on using scramjet and magnetic suspension technologies to launch a reusable rocket, and the results show that a normal temperature conductor maglev launch system is feasible.

This paper analyzes the launch price of the launch vehicles, domestic and abroad, studies the status and trend of the low cost launch vehicles, and introduces two measures to reduce the cost by means of evolved and disruptive technologies, utilizing the concept of low cost manufacturing and operating modes as well. This paper also analyzes the launch strategies for small satellites such as piggyback, networking launch, and single launch with a small launch vehicle (SLV). Finally, the development trend of reusable launch vehicles is discussed as well as the development prospects for China’s reusable launch vehicle.

At an accelerating development pace, Micro-Nano Satellite technology has become one of the most active research topics in the current aerospace field. Its applications have been extended from engineering education and technology demonstration into various other fields, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation and scientific experiments just to name a few. In this paper issues raised on Micro/Nano-Satellites in recent news are reviewed and the opportunities and challenges confronting Micro/Nano-Satellites are analyzed. Then the Micro/nano-Satellites of National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) are briefly introduced. Finally, some suggestions on the development of Micro/Nano-Satellites in the future are proposed.

High resolution remote sensing data has been applied in many fields such as national security, economic construction and in the daily life of the general public around the world, creating a huge market. Commercial remote sensing cameras have been developed vigorously throughout the world over the last few decades, resulting in resolutions down to 0.31 m. In 2010, the Chinese government approved the implementation of the China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS) Major Special Project, giving priority to development of high resolution remote sensing satellites. More than half of CHEOS has been constructed to date and 5 satellites operate in orbit. These cameras have different characteristics. A number of innovative technologies have been adopted, which have led to camera performance increasing in leaps and bounds. The products and the production capability enables the remote sensing technical level to increase making it on a par with Europe and the US.