Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS (IAMC) is one of the major microsatellite innovation research institutes of China. The primary fields of IAMC include micro-to-pico-scale satellite development and related technological innovation. So far, IAMC has launched 95 satellites into the space with no failure. These include the new-generation Beidou navigation satellites, the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), the Quantum Experiment satellite at Space Scale (QUESS), the companion microsatellite for Shenzhou spacecraft, and the Taiji I satellite. IAMC has become a strong driving force in Chinese scientific satellite development. It is also a leader in the application and commercial satellite industry.

IAMC is functioning on a “One institute, three locations” mode. The three locations include the Lingang headquarter, the Zhangjiang campus and the Songjiang campus. Currently, IAMC has more than 700 staff members for scientific research and administration work, 88% of which are postgraduates and doctors. The average age of staff is 34. Half of the staff has been actively involved in the development process of particular satellite missions.

The three locations of IAMC cover a total area of more than 95,000 square meters. There are 7 AIT halls with capability to perform mechanical, thermal, and noise tests as well as microwave chamber experiments. IAMC is capable of holding 30 to 50 1000-kg-scale or more than 100 micro/nano-scale satellites at the same time. The Zhangjiang campus covers a 27,000-square-meter area of quality control tests, mechanical control analysis, space environment study and satellite assembly. The Songjiang campus covers 34,000 square meters and is currently under construction. Once completed, it will be equipped with two pulse construction lines, an intelligent 3-D warehouse, and a robotized logistics distribution system. The campus will achieve whole-process digital acquisition and management and volume production for satellites under 500 kg. The maximum output can reach 300 satellites per year.