Abstract: Twenty-three recoverable satellites have been successfully launched in China since 1975. A number of microgravity experiments were successfully performed by utilizing the piggyback capability of the satellite apart from the main task during the previous flights. An overview of the recoverable satellite development in China is given in the present paper. Main characteristics of the Chinese recoverable satellites and the scientific experiments completed onboard the satellites are discussed. The environment condition and the interface between the working payload and satellite during different design and manufacture phase are also briefly described. Future trend of platform technology and the applications are presented.