Chinese scientists have unveiled a breakthrough in space power: a flexible solar panel that’s only 80 microns thick – about the diameter of a human hair. Developed by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology, the panel is made from single‑crystal silicon that can be rolled or folded like a sheet of paper. Despite its feather‑light weight (under one kilogram per square metre), it delivers high‑efficiency electricity and resists the harsh radiation of orbit. The new design solves a long‑standing problem with traditional rigid solar wings, which are heavy, bulky and prone to cracking under stress. By replacing them with these ultra‑thin, bendable panels, spacecraft can carry far more surface area for power without adding extra mass, dramatically cutting launch costs. The technology is already being tested in space: the Tianzhou‑10 cargo ship delivered experimental samples to the China Space Station, where they will endure real orbital conditions such as atomic oxygen, UV radiation, and extreme temperature swings. After the mission, the panels will be compared with identical ground‑stored units to understand how space degrades them. With China planning massive satellite constellations for internet and communications, these roll‑up panels could become the "energy heart" of future space networks, enabling larger fleets of satellites to stay powered longer and operate more reliably.
Read moreChina’s top leaders have put the “Six Networks” – water supply, new‑power grid, computing‑power, next‑generation communications, underground pipelines and logistics – at the heart of a massive push to revive domestic demand. Over 7 trillion yuan (about $1 trillion) is slated for construction this year, targeting both traditional upgrades and cutting‑edge projects such as 5G, 6G‑ready networks and high‑performance data centers. Experts say each trillion yuan spent on classic infrastructure can lift GDP by 0.7‑0.9 trillion yuan, while new‑infrastructure delivers an even stronger multiplier because it fuels digital services, AI, and smart manufacturing. The plan is not just about steel and concrete. By linking water networks to farms in Guizhou, the logistics chain to modern warehouses, and high‑speed communications to autonomous robots, the government hopes to create jobs, raise tax revenues and improve everyday life. The logistics network, despite recent progress, still faces bottlenecks that the coordinated effort aims to smooth out, especially in western regions. Officials stress that investment will be precise and balanced – focusing on weak links, revitalising existing assets and avoiding wasteful “flood‑irrigation” spending. In short, the Six Networks are envisioned as the backbone that will power China’s economic transformation, regional equity and higher quality of life for its citizens.
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