Chinese space scientists are planning something big for the following year. On Thursday, they announced that they are launching a satellite in space in the first half of 2016.

According to Xinhuanet News, the Chinese space scientists are not just launching a typical satellite in space, but they are said to be working on a retrievable device that can be used in outer space scientific research.

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The Chinese scientists are particularly referring to the SJ-10 satellite, which is a powerful device designed to become scientific support to manned missions in space.

Project chief Hu Wenrui said that the retrievable satellite was made to carry out outer space studies in "microgravity and space life science."

Upon arriving in the outer space, the SJ-10 satellite will perform 19 experiments in 6 science disciplines. Included in the disciples are space radiation, microgravity biological effect and other space techniques, as per International Business Times. 

Since the satellite is retrievable, it has a reentry capsule that would only orbit for 12 days and would immediately return to the living planet. 

According to the announcement, eight fluid physics experiments will be performed in the orbital module, which will remain in space for at least 15 days. 

What makes this announcement very special is the fact that China's space program is starting at a much better note compared to other traditional ones - those from the United States and Russia.

"China by virtue of the ambition of its space program stands out," professor-author Dr Louis Brennan said in a CNN op-ed. "China has already achieved rapid success and has more long-term plans for deeper venturing into space, including Mars."

The announcement is also very timely since has formerly announced that it is working on its own space station, which is set to be accomplished by 2022. 

Institute of Mechanics with the Chinese Academy of Sciences vice head Huang Chenguang acknowledged that the SJ-10 is apparently the second space satellite with different studies program, according to Ecns.cn. 

The first satellite was a dark matter particle explorer, which is going to reach the outer space at the end of this year.

TagsSpace, Scientists, Satellite