China's first carbon dioxide monitoring science satellite, one high-resolution micro-nano satellite and two spectrum micro-nano satellites were successfully launched on a Long March-2D rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre at 3:22 am Dec 22.

Professor Chai Donglang from Xi'an Jiaotong University Suzhou Academy (XJTUSA) watched the launch at the site on invitation.  

Chai, director of XJTUSA's New Materials Lab and head of Suzhou Municipal Light Metals and Their Composite Materials Key Lab, and his team have long been doing research on light metals, and the materials they developed have been successfully applied in aeronautics and space.

The team's new ultra-light metal has been adopted in a large proportion (the old material replacement rate is close to 100%) in the high-resolution micro-nano satellite launched this time, which leads to a great reduction in the satellite's structural weight and a remarkable increase in the satellite's payload.

Established in 2006 and headed by Professor Chai, XJTUSA New Materials Technology Lab is dedicated to the R&D and industrialization of mg-based ultra-light composite materials, and carries out research and service work in friction material, lightweight material, alloy material, nano material and other material science sectors. In 2009, the lab was accredited as Suzhou Municipal Light Metals and Their Composite Materials Key Lab.

Chai Donglang

Professor Chai Donglang, Master of Material Science and Doctor of Solid Mechanics, is the winner of many provincial and ministerial level research and teaching prizes. He is the leader of multiple research projects like The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project, National "973" Program project, Military Industry "10th Five Year" Program project, etc. He also holds a post in various second level branches or professional committees of provincial and ministerial level and national academic bodies.