Astronauts wave after landing in the reentry capsule of the Shenzhou XII mission in Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 17. [Photo by Yang Ying/China Daily]

The satellite communications device developed by the Hefei–based 38th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC38) helped ensure the safe return of crew members of the Shenzhou XII mission to Earth on Sept 17.

The device played an important role in the on-site search and rescue communications.

Featuring a long transmission distance, wide bandwidth and strong mobility, the device guaranteed the uninterrupted transmission of real-time video HD images and voice signals between the landing site and the Beijing Aerospace Control Center.

The live broadcast of the three astronauts' journey home allowed the command center to monitor the landing in real time, while the HD images transmitted from the scene also gave hundreds of millions of Chinese audiences a clear view of the spacecraft’s successful landing.

The device, which was attached to a helicopter, uses sophisticated terminal antenna technology and rotor masking detection technology to provide long-range audio and video transmission signals at the landing site.

The CETC38-developed satellite communications device is attached to a helicopter. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]